Antispastic effect of penile vibration in men with spinal cord lesion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible antispastic effect of penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) in men with spinal cord lesion (SCL).


METHODS
Unblinded, before-after trial.


METHODS
Ambulatory care.


METHODS
Nine men with SCLs from C2 to T8 were randomly allocated into 2 groups.


METHODS
Twenty-four hours of electromyographic recordings from the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles were taken, followed by PVS or no treatment and another 24 hours of electromyographic recordings. The presence of electromyographic activity of an amplitude 4 times the baseline, with a duration of more than 5 seconds, was taken to signify a spasm. The number of spasms per hour was calculated before and after PVS and no treatment. Spasticity was evaluated by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).


METHODS
Reduction in spasticity and spasms.


RESULTS
The electromyographic data showed a significant reduction in the frequency of leg spasms up to 3 hours (P<.05). Significantly decreased spasticity, as evaluated by MAS, was found immediately after vibration (P<.01).


CONCLUSIONS
PVS may be useful as an antispastic therapy.
Laessøe
Line
L
Department of Urology 2112, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. llaessoe@rh.dk
Nielsen
Jens Bo
JB
Biering-Sørensen
Fin
F
Sønksen
Jens
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010413:Penis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*