Effectiveness of Electrical stimulation and Rood's facilitatory techniques on muscle strength in GBS: A case series

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune mediated disorder of the peripheral nervous system that can lead to a rapid onset of muscle weakness, sensory deficits, and functional disability. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in improving recovery and reducing long term complications, but evidence on its impact in acute phases remains limited. This case series describes the clinical presentation of three GBS patients and to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy interventions like Electrical stimulation and Rood’s facilitatory techniques on muscle strength and there by improving the fatigue and quality of life. Standardized outcome measures, including Manual muscle testing (MMT), Fatigue severity scale (FSS), Tendon reflex grading, Northwick park index of independence (NPI) are used in this case series. Physiotherapy interventions are individualized in terms of bronchial hygiene techniques, sensory re-education (Rood’s facilitatory techniques), cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, progressive strengthening, coordination training, ADL training and emotional support. Outcomes were reassessed after completion of the physiotherapy program. Sensations were diminished prior to treatment and showed marked improvement following intervention. Muscle tone was hypotonic prior to treatment and returned to normal following the physiotherapy intervention Muscle strength increased by 20% in case 1 and case 3, increased by 40% in case 2. Reflexes were improved to 100% in case 1 and case 2 and 50% in case 3 making all the cases have normal reflexes. Fatigue severity scale [FSS] improved by 46% in case 1, 42% in case 2, 41% in case 3.Northwick park index of independence scale improved by 67% in case 1, 64% in case 2 and 88% in case 3.