Abstract
Pediatric sciatic neuropathy, often resulting from trauma or post-injection injury, causes substantial motor and sensory deficits. Electrical Stimulation (ES) therapy has emerged as a potential adjunct to standard care, aiming to support nerve regeneration, prevent muscle atrophy, and enhance functional outcomes. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of ES therapy based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2025. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, yielding 8 eligible RCTs. Inclusion criteria encompassed open-access trials on pediatric patients with sciatic nerve injuries treated with ES. Extracted data included study design, intervention protocols, and outcome measures such as motor function, sensory recovery, and muscle strength. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool. Across all studies, ES therapy consistently improved motor performance, sensory feedback, and muscular strength. Frequencies between 30–50 Hz and treatment durations of 4–8 weeks showed optimal benefit. ES was generally well-tolerated, with mild adverse effects like localized skin irritation; no serious side effects were reported. Discussion: ES appears to be an effective adjunctive intervention for pediatric sciatic neuropathy. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols, small sample sizes, and limited long-term data remain concerns. Standardization of treatment and larger longitudinal studies are recommended. ES therapy offers promising improvements in motor and sensory outcomes in pediatric sciatic neuropathy. Further research is essential to establish standardized protocols and assess long-term benefits.
Presenters
Chaman LalStudent, PhD Physiotherapy Scholar, Lincoln University College Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
KEYWORDS
PEDIATRIC SCIATIC NEUROPATHY, ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY, PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION
