Immediate Effect of Sustained Stretching Exercises with Far Infrared on the Ankle Range of Motion and Muscle Tone in Patients with Stroke

PURPOSE: The spasticity of stroke patients decreases the ankle range of motion and increases the gastrocnemius muscle tone. This study examined the effects of stretching exercise and far infrared irradiation on the ankle function in stroke patients with spasticity. METHODS: This study was conducted on 20 stroke patients admitted to Jesaeng General Hospital, who were divided into a study group (stretching exercise with far infrared) and control group (stretching exercise only). The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using a smartphone and the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a Myoton pro. RESULTS: With the exception of the non-paretic gastrocnemius muscle tone in the control group, the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness decreased significantly in both groups. In both groups, the dorsiflexion range of motion increased significantly. In addition, the experimental group had a significantly higher dorsiflexion range of motion than the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness. CONCLUSION: For stroke patients with spasticity, stretching exercises increased the ankle's range of motion and decreased the gastrocnemius muscle tone. The addition of heat therapy further increased the ankle's range of motion. On the other hand, as the sample size was small, future studies should include more subjects.

Effects of NMES and Horseback Riding Using a Robotic Device on the Trunk Muscle Activity and Gross Motor Function in Children with Spastic Diplegia

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and horseback riding using a robotic device on the trunk muscle activity and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia. METHODS: Children with spastic diplegia were divided into two groups: an experimental group (NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]) and a control group (placebo NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]). Each group received general physical therapy and occupational therapy. Each intervention involved the administration of NMES for 15 minutes and horseback riding using robotic device therapy for 15 minutes three times a week for 4 weeks. The evaluation included both the rectus abdominis muscles (RA), external oblique muscles (EO), thoracic paraspinal muscles (TP), and lumbar paraspinal muscles (LP) activity and GMFM. RESULTS: The RA, EO, TP, and LP muscle activity, GMFM C, D, and E were increased significantly in the experimental and control groups. A significant increase in both the TP muscle activity and GMFM D was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that horseback riding using a robotic device is an effective intervention for trunk muscle activity and GMFM in children with spastic diplegia. However, if NMES is added to the back muscles, it is possible to further increase the thoracic paraspinal muscle activity and standing ability.

The Immediate Effect of Wrist Joint Mobilization with Taping on Range of Motion, Grip Strength, Spasticity in Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to confirm the immediate effect of wrist joint mobilization with taping on the range of motion, grip strength, and spasticity. METHODS: Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups: the joint mobilization with taping group (n=15) and a taping group (n=15). For measurement of spasticity and joint range of motion, the modified Tardieu scale, active and passive range of motion of wrist flexion, as well as extension were measured by the Rapael smart glove, and for grip strength measurement, grip dynamometer was performed. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in the range of motion, grip strength, and spasticity after 10 minutes of taping (p0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The study found that wrist joint mobilization with taping has an immediate effect on wrist range of motion, grip strength, and spasticity in stroke patients, whereas it was not effective in the control group with just taping. The long-term change still needs to be evaluated, when taking into consideration of the carryover effect.