Anti-spastic effects of the direct application of vibratory stimuli to the spastic muscles of hemiplegic limbs in post-stroke patients: A proof-of-principle study

Authors

  • Tomokazu Noma
  • Shuji Matsumoto
  • Megumi Shimodozono
  • Seiji Etoh
  • Kazumi Kawahira

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0946

Keywords:

F-wave, Modified Ashworth Scale, muscle vibration, spasticity, stroke, vibration, vibratory stimulus.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether the direct application of vibratory stimuli inhibits spasticity in the hemiplegic upper limbs of post-stroke patients. Design: A randomized controlled study. Subjects: Thirty-six post-stroke patients. Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to the ?Rest group?, ?Stretch group?, or ?Direct application of vibratory stimuli group?. After relaxing in a supine posture for 30 min, subjects received the interventions for 5 min. The Modified Ashworth Scale scores and F-wave parameters were recorded before, immediately after and 30 min after each intervention. Results: The Rest group showed no significant changes in F-wave parameters and Modified Ashworth Scale scores. The Stretch group showed a tendency to decrease in F-wave amplitude and F/M ratio immediately after the intervention, but not 30 min later. The Direct application of vibratory stimuli group showed significant improvements in F-wave parameters and Modified Ashworth Scale scores immediately after the intervention, which remained 30 minutes later. The changes in F-wave parameters and Modified Ashworth Scale scores observed in the Direct application of vibratory stimuli group significantly differed from those in the Rest group and the Stretch group. Conclusion: The direct application of vibratory stimuli has anti-spastic effects in the hemiplegic upper limbs of post-stroke patients.

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Published

2012-02-27

How to Cite

Noma, T., Matsumoto, S., Shimodozono, M., Etoh, S., & Kawahira, K. (2012). Anti-spastic effects of the direct application of vibratory stimuli to the spastic muscles of hemiplegic limbs in post-stroke patients: A proof-of-principle study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 44(4), 325–330. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0946

Issue

Section

Original Report