Is Electrical Stimulation Useful for Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? A Mini-review

Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a hereditary progressive neuromuscular disease of childhood. The survival rate of DMD patients is extremely low. In physiotherapy, electrical stimulation is frequently applied to rehabilitate these patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation on the muscles of patients with DMD. In this regard limited relevant studies were found, some of which reported the positive effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on improving muscle strength. Conversely, there were reports of the detrimental effects of electrical stimulation on muscle fibers. Overall, there is  no standard guideline for electrical stimulation in patients with DMD, and further research is required with adequate sample size and follow-up.