The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercises Accompanied by Electrical Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Paraplegic Patients in the Elderly

Abstract

Therapeutic exercise in combination with electrical stimulation has become an important method to help improve movement and raise functional efficiency in elderly paraplegics. Therefore, this research focused on designing a rehabilitation program with electrical stimulation to raise the functional efficiency of the elderly with paraplegia and to know its effect on the muscle tone of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities of the affected part. In this paper, the researcher used the experimental approach due to its suitability to the nature of the research, using the intentional method in selecting a sample of 8 patients with simple and medium degrees. The results showed the positive effect of rehabilitative exercises with electrical stimulation used in a sample in improving muscle tone and reducing the effects of spasms in it, as well as a positive effect of the rehabilitative exercise program with electrical stimulation in increasing and improving the range of motion, and an improvement was also found in the angles of the joints of the affected limbs as a result of continuous movement and continuation in the performance of the proposed rehabilitation exercises in a sample with the ability of the injured individuals to perform strength training and improve the movement level. In conclusion, the researcher recommends being guided by the therapeutic program in rehabilitation and paying attention to flexibility and orthotics together as two sides of the same coin to get rid of muscle spasm in particular and improve muscle tone in general, and to pay attention to the development of muscle strength, balance, flexibility and views of the affected muscles.