ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess the impact of quasi-monochromatic partially coherent infra-red radiation on the dynamics of recovery of the affected joint and the hemostatic system in patients with post-stroke arthropathy of the shoulder joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients in the early, late and residual period of ischemic stroke were studied. Group I consisted of 27 patients who underwent 10 sessions of photomatrix therapy (wavelength 600 nm) on the affected joint, lasting for 10 minutes. In patients of group II (n=28), the duration of photomatrix therapy was 20 minutes. Patients of the comparison group (n=20) did not receive photomatrix therapy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results pointed to a significant reduction in the severity of pain, increase in the range of motion in the shoulder joint. All this was combined with a decrease in the severity of anxiety and depression, followed by a mild hypocoagulation effect and improvement of blood circulation in the paretic limb. The authors point out to the prospect of using this method for the prevention and treatment of post-stroke arthropathy.
