Electrical neuromuscular stimulation (ENS) is claimed to decrease spasticity and improve active movement and function. Forty patients with chronic spasticity as a component of neurological disease entered a single-blind trial on the effects of the MKII Switch programmable electrical neuromuscular stimulator on their functional performance. They were randomly allocated to two groups: one received ENS, the other received sham treatment with a de-activated stimulator. The quadriceps and the hamstring muscles of the right and left legs were treated for 12 minutes every working day for six weeks. Measurements of their passive range of movement, strength of active movement, functional ability and subjective opinion of their condition were made on initial assessment, weekly for six weeks, and at three months after completing the trial. Within the treatment parameters employed, the stimulator made no significant difference in the measured parameters of the treatment group compared to the control group. No evidence could be found to support the claims by the manufacturers.

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