Effects of laser therapy and Grimaldi’s muscle shortening manoeuvre on motor control of subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries

Background and Objectives: From year 2003 we treated positively 251 patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries (TSCI), using Non-Surgical Laser Therapy (NSLT). In order to increase muscle strength, we have also started using a physical therapy practice called Grimaldi’s Muscle Shortening Manoeuvre (GMSM) The goal of our study is to obtain objective data suggesting the real effectiveness of the association of these two treatments. Study Design and Methods: In 2015, 10 patients with incomplete TSCI were enrolled. Further 10 subjects with similar features were included as control group. All patients have subtotal sensory loss and motor paralysis below the level of the lesion. Lasers used were 808, 10600, and 1064 nm, applied with a first cycle of four sessions per day for a total of 20 sessions. The patients participated in specific physical therapy training (GMSM) twice a day, for a total of eight sessions. Each cycle of laser and GMSM was replicated each month. Results: Results were considered positive if sensitivity increased at least two dermatomes per cycle under the level of the lesion. Results in muscle activity (on/off) were regarded as positive if sEMG showed modifications in CNS-muscle. Objective assessment of force displayed encouraging results. After each cycle, patients showed improvements in motor function and voluntary command. Follow-up is positive after 3 months. Conclusion: Associating laser treatment and Grimaldi’s Muscle Shortening Manoeuvre (MSM) seems to be effective on muscle strength and motor control in patients affected by subtotal SCI compared to a control group.