RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study was to evaluate the effects of visible light therapy for the stroke patients. METHOD: Thirty stroke patients were enrolled and classified into two groups, experimental (n=19) and control group (n=11). Control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy. Experimental group received additional light therapy with red light (intensity 962 lux, wave length 620 nm) on wrist, elbow, and shoulder joint area (diameter 10 cm) at the same time, 3 times per day, 20 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. All patients were assessed their paralytic upper extremity functions using manual muscle testing, two point discremination test (2-PD), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and modified Ash-worth scale. To evaluate neurophysiological effects of light therapy, sympathetic skin response, thermography, and doppler ultrasound on radial artery were performed. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the experimental group significantly improved in the 2-PD test, Semmes-Weistein monofilament test, and the hand grip power. Neurophysiologic parameters showed no significant difference between experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: Visible light therapy maybe used as an effective therapeutic modality for improving hand function of stroke patients. Further studies are required to define the mechanism of effects on paralytic extremity of visible light.