Effect of penile vibratory stimulation on spasticity in men with spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
Penile vibratory stimulation is the first treatment option for anejaculation in men with spinal cord injury. It has been postulated that it also has an antispasticity effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of penile vibratory stimulation on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.


METHODS
Ten male patients with spinal cord injury were included in the study. They were examined at the baseline and 3, 6, 24, and 48 hrs later. After their baseline examination, they performed penile vibratory stimulation. The outcome variables were spasticity (Ashworth scale), spasm frequency, spasm severity, painful spasms, plantar stimulation response, deep tendon reflexes, clonus, and effect on function.


RESULTS
Ashworth grade showed a statistically significant decrease at hour 3 and hour 6 examinations (P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively, with Tukey test). The patients showed a tendency toward having less frequent and less severe spasms throughout the study; however, it did not reach to a significant level. Similarly, clonus showed a nonsignificant decrease during follow-up examinations. The other variables did not change considerably.


CONCLUSIONS
Penile vibratory stimulation may contribute to the relief of the spasticity in men with spinal cord injury. In treating spasticity, all the factors that increase or decrease the tone should be considered.
Alaca
Ridvan
R
Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Goktepe
Ahmet Salim
AS
Yildiz
Necmettin
N
Yilmaz
Bilge
B
Gunduz
Sukru
S
D000328:Adult; D004542:Ejaculation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*