RESUMO
The aim of this study was to estimate the immediate effects of plantar vibration, applied to the more affected foot, on balance impairment in patients post-stroke. This pretest-posttest clinical study included 18 patients (13 men) poststroke; mean age 56.0±8.9 years (range, 41-71 years). One session of 5-min vibratory stimuli (frequency, 100 Hz) was applied to the plantar region of the more affected foot of all participants. The plantar vibration significantly improved the Timed UP and Go test (P=0.03, Cohen d=0.15), ankle plantar flexor muscle spasticity (P=0.008), and ankle passive range of motion (P<0.001, Cohen d=0.74). The posturography measures and Functional Reach Test did not improve significantly (P>0.05). Vibration stimuli applied to the plantar region of the more affected foot had significant effects on spasticity, ankle passive range of motion and dynamic balance as evaluated by the Timed Up and Go test in patients poststroke. There was no effect on static balance performance. Based on the results, the focal vibratory stimuli applied directly to the plantar region of the more affected foot may be recommended to improve the functional mobility and dynamic balance in patients with stroke.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) is a clinical tool for the measurement of muscle spasticity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the MTS and the slope of the work-velocity curve as a biomechanical measure in assessing knee extensor muscle spasticity in patients with stroke. METHODS: Thirty patients with stroke (22 female, 8 male; mean age 55.4 ± 12.0 years) participated in this study. The knee extensor spasticity was assessed with the MTS. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to move the knee passively from full extension to 90° flexion at speeds of 60°/s, 120°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s to collect torque-angle data. The slope of the work-velocity curve was calculated using linear regression [J/(°/s)]. RESULTS: The mean of R2-R1 component of MTS was 19.73 (SD 29.85). The mean work significantly decreased as the speed increased (p < .001). The mean (SD) slope for the work-velocity curve was -0.83 (SD 0.73, range -2.6-0.3). There was no significant relationship between the R2 -R1 and the slope of work-velocity curve (r = 0.09, p = .62). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of significant relationship between the MTS and the slope of work-velocity curve may question the usefulness of the MTS as a valid measure of muscle spasticity after stroke.
