RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the elasticity of the radial wrist flexor and ulnar wrist flexor muscles is related to the power of gripping, and the tension and stiffness directly affect the pinching force on the thumb side and the palm gripping ability. Extracorporeal shock waves have a definite effect on alleviating post-stroke limb spasm. OBJECTIVE: To observe the immediate effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients with hemiplegia who met the inclusion criteria were given a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris. The oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were detected using a muscle tone measurement device Myoton-3 before treatment and 5 minutes after treatment. At the same time, the Modified Tardieu Scale was used to evaluate spasticity of wrist flexor before and after treatment. The study protocol was implemented in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, and the enrolled patients and their families were fully informed of the whole trial. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment, the oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, dynamic stiffness, and quality of muscle response of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were significantly reduced in all the patients (P < 0.01). The maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension and angle of catch following a fast velocity stretch wrist flexor were significantly higher than those before (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a single session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy can effectively reduce muscle tone and stiffness, and improve elasticity of flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in stroke patients. And it can also improve the maximum passive range of motion of wrist extension.