Vibration therapy helps relieve spasticity and improve upper limb motor function after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of variable frequency vibration therapy while sitting in an anti-spasmodic posture on spasticity and the motor function of the upper limbs among stroke survivors.Methods Thirty stroke survivors with upper limb spasticity were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,each of 15.Both groups were given routine rehabilitation training for 4 weeks while the treatment group was additionally provided with variable frequency vibration training while sitting in anti-spasmodic postures.Before and after the treatment,the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used to assess spasticity.The root mean square (RMS) value of the surface electromyogram amplitude of the affected biceps when extended passively and those of the triceps,obliques and multifidus in maximum isometric contraction was measured and recorded.The motor function of the affected upper limbs was evaluated using the active range of motion (A-ROM) of the shoulder,elbow and wrist,as well as a Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA).Moreover,ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed using the modified Barthel index (MBI).Results After the treatment,significant improvement was observed in the average MAS,A-ROM,RMS,FMA and MBI results in both groups compared to those before the treatment.Moreover,the results in the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group,on average.Conclusions Variable frequency vibration therapy while sitting in an anti-spasmodic posture combined with traditional rehabilitation is more effective than the latter alone in relieving spasticity as well as improving motor function and ability in the activities of daily living among stroke survivors with the upper limb spasticity.