Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Spasticity, Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Functional Mobility in Individuals With Paraplegia

Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI)-related paraplegia is a complex neurological condition characterized by motor impairment, increased spasticity, and significant functional limitations in daily activities. Spasticity is one of the most common secondary complications after upper motor neuron lesions and can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes, gait ability, and functional independence.

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the quadriceps muscle in individuals with paraplegia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional neurorehabilitation or an intervention group receiving additional FES treatment.

The primary outcomes include changes in spasticity level, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional mobility. Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), muscle strength will be evaluated with Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and functional mobility will be measured using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

The intervention period will last 8 weeks, with standardized rehabilitation programs applied to both groups. The FES group will additionally receive quadriceps stimulation with specific neuromuscular electrical stimulation parameters.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of FES as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation in improving motor function and functional independence in individuals with paraplegia.

Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Paraplegia
• Spasticity
• Neurorehabilitation

Interventions

OTHER

Conventional Neurorehabilitation

This intervention consists of a conventional neurorehabilitation program designed for individuals with paraplegia secondary to spinal cord injury. The program includes stretching exercises, progressive strengthening exercises, balance training, and transfer training. Sessions are conducted 3 days per week, 45-60 minutes per session, over a total duration of 8 weeks. This group does not receive Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). The intervention is aimed at improving general motor function, maintaining joint range of motion, and enhancing functional independence.

DEVICE

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of Quadriceps Muscle

This intervention consists of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the quadriceps femoris muscle in addition to the same conventional neurorehabilitation program provided to the control group. FES is delivered using a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device to induce muscle contractions via peripheral nerve activation. Stimulation parameters include 35 Hz frequency, 300 µs pulse duration, and a 10-second on / 20-second off cycle. The intervention is applied 5 days per week for 8 weeks. The aim is to enhance neuromuscular activation, reduce spasticity, increase quadriceps muscle strength, and improve functional mobility in individuals with paraplegia.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-10

Primary Completion

2026-06-10

Completion

2026-07-10