Patricio Bernedo-Schirmer; Fernando Valenzuela-Aedo; Matías Barrera-Sepúlveda; Juan Carranza-Leiva; Macarena Artigas-Arias; Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr & Arlette Doussoulin-Sanhueza

Neuromotor therapy is one of the treatments of choice to modulate spasticity following stroke. However, its benefits are limited in some subjects, so associating this therapy with others could bring greater benefits. One therapeutic option is the electrotherapy according to Hufschmidt, which is based on low- frequency rhythmic electrical stimulation to provoke muscle contraction. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of neuromuscular electrotherapy associated with neuromotor therapy versus neuromotor therapy on muscle mass, functionality and spasticity of the paretic upper limb after stroke. Prospective experimental study composed of 2 groups: Neuromotor therapy vs. neuromotor therapy associated with electrotherapy (CON vs ENM, respectively n=5 each). At baseline and end, muscle thickness (ultrasound), strength test (dynamometer) and functionality (Action Research Arm Test) were evaluated. Spasticity (Tardieu Scale) was evaluated during the days of intervention. Chronic ischemic stroke was the most prevalent among the groups. An increase in paretic biceps brachii muscle thickness was observed from 2.89 ± 0.53 to 3.03 ± 0.62 cm in the CON group and from 3.27 ± 0.89 to 3.48 ± 0.83 cm in the ENS group (time effect p <0.05; h2=0.386), with no differences between groups. In relation to the variable’s strength and spasticity of flexor and extensor muscles of the paretic arm, and lean mass of the whole body and by body segments, no significant differences were observed between the groups and no changes were observed after the intervention (p >0.05). In both groups there was an increase in the thickness of the biceps brachii muscle on the paretic side after the intervention. No significant differences were observed between groups in strength, spasticity, whole body lean mass and by body segments.

KEY WORDS: Electrotherapy; Muscle mass; Motor recovery; Spasticity; Stroke; Upper limb.

BERNEDO-SCHIRMER, P.; VALENZUELA-AEDO, F.; BARRERA-SEPÚLVEDA, M.; CARRANZA-LEIVA, J.; ARTIGAS-ARIAS, M.; MARZUCA-NASSR, G.N. & DOUSSOULIN-SANHUEZA, A. Effect of neuromuscular electrotherapy combined with neuromotor therapy on muscle mass, functionality, and spasticity of the paretic upper limb after a stroke: A pilot study. Int. J. Morphol., 43(1):166-174, 2025.