Abstract: Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on children with flaccid cerebral palsy. Methods 40 children with flaccid cerebral palsy were divided into 2 groups: treatment group (n=20) and control group (n=20). 2 groups were given conventional rehabilitation training for 30 d, while the treatment group added transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on quadriceps femoris for 30 d. Quadriceps femoris was assessed by Modified Lovett classification, gross motor function was assessed by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and integrated electromyogram (iEMG) and root mean square (RMS) were recorded. Results There was significant improvement in 2 groups in Modified Lovett classification, GMFM, and iEMG and RMS (P<0.05) while the treatment group was better than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation can enhance the muscle tone and strength of quadriceps femoris to improve gross motor function for children with flaccid cerebral palsy.

Key words: flaccid, cerebral palsy, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation