Abstract

DIRECT EFFECT OF FOCAL MUSCLE VIBRATION ON SPASTICITY

*Samhat Ghadeer, Fakih Esraa, Haidar Hassan Khodor, Kheir Eddine Hassane

ABSTRACT

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. Undoubtedly, exercise therapy is a key element of stroke rehabilitation. Moreover, recently focal muscle vibration has been described as a useful therapeutic approach in the management of post stroke spasticity. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of focal muscle vibration on spasticity in post-stroke patients. Materials and Method: In this single-blinded pretest-posttest study, 12 patients were allocated to investigate the vibratory stimuli. After relaxing in a side lying posture, subjects received the interventions for 5 min in a single session with 60Hz frequency. The Modified Ashworth Scale and PROM parameters were recorded before and immediately after the intervention. Results: After using focal muscle vibration for a 5 min single session with 60Hz frequency, no significant difference was found in Modified Ashworth Scale and passive range of motion after the vibration application. Conclusion: Vibration therapy is a well-tolerated, effective and easy intervention to be used. Based on our results no significant difference was found using these parameters. So, further studies must be conducted with larger sample size, different frequency and time of application.

Keywords: Spasticity; Stroke; Focal muscle vibration.