Effects of laser therapy and Grimaldi’s muscle shortening manoeuvre on motor control of subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries

Laser Therapy, 2017 · DOI: · Published: May 6, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study investigates the effectiveness of combining Non-Surgical Laser Therapy (NSLT) and Grimaldi’s Muscle Shortening Manoeuvre (MSM) to improve motor control in patients with incomplete Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries (TSCI). The goal is to find objective data confirming the effectiveness of this combined treatment approach. Ten patients with incomplete TSCI received both laser therapy and GMSM, while a control group of ten similar patients received no treatment. The lasers used were 808, 10600, and 1064 nm, and the GMSM physical therapy was administered twice daily. The study assessed changes in sensitivity and muscle activity. Positive results meant increased sensitivity (at least two dermatomes per cycle) and modified CNS-muscle conduction in sEMG. The study found improvements in motor function and voluntary command in the treatment group after each cycle.

Study Duration

3 months follow up

Participants

20 patients with incomplete TSCI (10 treatment, 10 control)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients receiving laser therapy and GMSM showed significant improvements in surface tactile sensitivity compared to the control group after one and three months.
2
The treatment group showed positive results in deep tactile sensitivity compared to the control group.
3
Significant increases in muscle strength (shoulder flexion, elbow extension, and trunk flexion) were observed in the treatment group compared to the control group, with statistically significant changes between follow-up assessments.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the effectiveness of combining laser therapy and Grimaldi’s Muscle Shortening Manoeuvre (GMSM) for improving motor control in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI). The results showed that patients receiving the combined treatment experienced significant improvements in sensitivity (tactile and thermal) and muscle activity compared to the control group. Objective assessments of muscle strength demonstrated statistically significant increases in shoulder flexion, elbow extension, and trunk flexion in the treatment group, suggesting the effectiveness of the combined therapy.

Practical Implications

Combined Therapy Effectiveness

The combination of laser therapy and GMSM may be a beneficial approach for improving motor control and muscle strength in patients with incomplete SCI.

Improved Sensitivity

Laser therapy and GMSM can lead to improvements in tactile and thermal sensitivity in patients with SCI.

Enhanced Muscle Strength

The treatment significantly enhances muscle strength in key movements, such as shoulder flexion, elbow extension, and trunk flexion, for individuals with incomplete SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of 10 patients in each group is relatively small.
2
The follow-up period of 3 months may be insufficient to assess long-term effects.
3
Further control our data on larger number of patients and with longer follow-ups.

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