Annino G, Alashram AR, Alghwiri AA, et al. Effect of segmental muscle vibration on upper extremity functional ability poststroke: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(7):e14444.
Background:
Upper
extremity functional impairments are common consequences of stroke.
Therefore, continuous investigation of effective interventions for upper
extremity functions after stroke is a necessity. Segmental muscle
vibration (SMV) is one of the interventions that incorporate sensory
stimulation to improve motor cortical excitability. The aim of this
study was to investigate the influence of 5-minute SMV application along
with supervised physical therapy (SPT) on improving activities of daily
living and motor recovery on the hemiparetic upper extremity in
patients with stroke.
Methods:
A
sample of 37 patients poststroke (29 males) was randomly allocated to
either SPT control group (n = 18) or SPT and SMV (SPT-SMV) experimental
group (n = 19). All patients received 3 sessions per week of SPT for 8
weeks. The SPT-SMV experimental group received SMV at the end of each
SPT session. Outcome measures used were Barthel index (BI), modified
Ashworth scale, manual muscle testing, and goniometry for range of
motion (ROM) assessment.
Results:
Thirty-four
patients completed the study. Patients in both groups improved
significantly after treatment in BI, elbow ROM, and elbow muscles
strength. However, muscle tone in elbow joint of the hemiplegic upper
extremity improved significantly after SMV only in the experimental
group (SPT-SMV).
Conclusion:
The
SPT intervention can improve functional outcomes of upper extremity in
people after stroke. However, using SMV may have superior effect on
improving muscle tone after stroke.