Effectiveness of Passive ROM and Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Patients with Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus, a major source of motor and sensory supply to the whole upper extremity, is commonly injured by motor vehicle trauma in adults and during birth in newborns. It can also be caused by penetrating injuries, falls and humeral fractures. Brachial plexus lesions frequently lead to significant physical disability that would result in difficulty in activities of daily living. Therefore, it is essential that this very valuable segment of our population is functionally restored. Thus,we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of passive range of motion exercises and electrical muscle stimulation in patients with brachial plexus injury. Method: A 57-year-oldmale patient with brachial plexus injury, who was admitted to the Department of Medicine, was enrolled in the study. The patient was assessed for pain level using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability was assessed by using Disability of Arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) was also used to assess anxiety and depression of the patient. Results: The finding of the present study indicated a significant effect of passive exercises and electrical muscle stimulation on pain and disability in patient with brachial plexus injury.