Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Studies of any design were eligible for inclusion.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of electrical stimulation as a primary intervention to improve strength or motor performance were eligible for inclusion. The included studies evaluated neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or threshold electrical stimulation (TES), generally in addition to usual physiotherapy (with or without daily stretching) or intensive physiotherapy. Frequencies of stimulation were generally in the range of 30 to 45 Hz, pulse durations were 100 to 300 microseconds, and the time to reach desired intensity ranged from 0.5 to 2 seconds. The contraction or relaxation times varied, as did the intensity and duration of treatment. Further details were reported.
Participants included in the review
Studies of participants with CP were eligible for inclusion. In the included studies, the type of CP was diplegia, hemiplegia or quadriplegia, and the age of the participants ranged from 8 months to 18 years.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Explicit inclusion criteria for the outcomes were not reported. The included studies evaluated impairment (problems in body structures or functions) and activity limitations (difficulties in performing tasks).
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.