Restorative neurology of progressive neuromuscular disorders

Abstract

Patients with progressive neuromuscular diseases (PND) suffer from motor disabilities which result not only from muscle weaknesses but also from the response of the upper motor neuron to these weaknesses. A short review of studies of the neurocontrol of posture and gait is given for patients with PND and their importance for the maintenance of ambulation will be reviewed. It is proposed that the newly established procedures for the modification of muscle properties by means of low frequency stimulation can further restore motor activities when used in conjunction with motor studies soon after the onset of PND.