Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Versus Low-intensity Laser on Motor Conduction Velocity of the Common Peroneal Nerve Post Burn

Purposes of this study were the following:

1. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of NMES in improving the motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the neuropathic common peroneal nerve post burn.
2. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of LIL in improving the motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the neuropathic common peroneal nerve post burn.
3. To detect which one of both was the better and most effective than the other in improving the motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the neuropathic common peroneal nerve post burn.

Burned patients experience various problems, including skin damage, vascular damage, and metabolic stress. These injuries can lead to peripheral neuropathies, which can affect nerve function and cause weakness or lack of sensation. Lymphatic damage can delay wound healing, causing contractures that affect the patient's physical function. Burn-Associated polyneuropathy (BAPN) is common after thermal injury, affecting nerve function. Electrophysiological assessments of muscle and nerves are essential in neurology, physical therapy, and related clinical disciplines. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used to increase force output, strengthen muscles, and control pain. Low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) is used to treat chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, improving absorption of fluid, secretion of macrophage growth factors, DNA synthesis, pain reduction, and electron respiratory chain reaction. However, the effect of LILT on scar formation and treatment of fibrosis or calcification secondary to hematomas or fat necrosis is not yet evaluated.

The need for this study developed from the lack of quantitative knowledge and information in the published studies about the application of both NMES and LIL to improve the neuropathic common peroneal nerve postburn.

The significance of this study arises from the rarity of information about the effectiveness of both NMES and LIL on the neuropathic common peroneal nerve post-burn, as well as the precise dosage and frequency of treatment required to promote improvement of the neuropathic common peroneal nerve post burn.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients were chosen after a routine medical examination by specialist.
* All patients were approximately of the same age (from 20 to 35 years old).
* All patients were conscious.
* All of them were non-smokers and they will be under own prescribed medications described by their physicians.
* They received another physical therapy electromodality except NMES and LIL as well as the traditional physical therapy in the form of 5 minutes of deep stroking (Effleurage) maneuver for the affected lower limb before the beginning of the MCV recording to eliminate the temperature-related variability

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with life threatening disorders as renal failure, myocardial infarction or other similar diseases will be excluded from the study.
* Patients who suffer from skin diseases, diabetes, varicose veins, and peripheral vascular diseases will be excluded from the study.
* Pregnant patients or who presented with active malignancy will be excluded from the study.
* Patients who suffer from hyperthyroidism, haemorrhage, acute viral diseases, acute tuberculosis, mental disorders or those with pace makers will be excluded from the study