Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Muscle Spasticity in Post-Stroke Patients: An Ultrasonography and Clinical-Base Study
Journal Title: Physical Treatments: Specific Physical Therapy Journal - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effect of single session Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) over the ankle plantar flexor muscles on the spasticity, muscle architecture, and gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental, single group study had a repeated measures design. A total of 17 post-stroke patients were selected by convenience sampling method, and received 2000 shots of ESWT on the ankle plantar flexor muscles of the affected side in one session. Outcome measures consisted of Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), bilateral leg circumference, and muscle architecture parameters (pennation angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness) of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, timed up and go (TUG) test, self-reported visual analog scale (VAS) of spasticity, and ankle passive Range of Motion (pROM). All outcomes were measured at 2 times: before the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention. The muscle architecture parameters and leg circumference were also measured immediately after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 18.0. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate the effects of intervention in time. Results: Wilcoxon test revealed significant improvement in MMAS. Significant improvement in VAS, pROM, and TUG test results is also noted by means of the paired t test. ANOVA showed significant time×side interaction for the pennation angle and leg circumference. Significant effect of time was also shown by ANOVA for leg circumference. Post hoc analyses showed a significant difference for the leg circumference before the intervention and 30 minutes after it. ANOVA showed no significant change in fascicle length and muscle thickness. Spearman’s rho revealed significant positive correlation between the changes of the ankle pROM and improvement of the fascicle length. Conclusion: According to the results single session of ESWT over the spastic plantar flexors muscle can improve clinical measures of muscle spasticity and motor function. More studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms for the antispastic effect of ESWT.
Authors and Affiliations
Maryam Rastgoo, Hadi Sarafraz, Hamidreza Najari, Mohammad Reza Hadian, Bijan Forough, Asghar Rezasoltani
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP263360
- DOI 10.18869/nrip.ptj.6.3.169
- Views 124
- Downloads 0
Relationship Between Physical Activity and Risk Factors in Patients Suspected With Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) With the Number of Involved Arteries in Tehran City
Purpose: Due to unhealthy lifestyles, there has been an increase in the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and a reduction in its age of onset. Given the high cost of diagnosis and treatment of CAD, there is an...
The Effect of 12 Weeks of Training in Water, on Land and Combined Environment on Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal Women
Purpose: Given that physical activity is the most important environmental moderating factor, it has been known as an effective, available, low-cost and non-pharmacological approach to increase or maintain bone density at...
Assessment of the High-heel Shoes Effect on Head Protrusion Angle
Purpose: Wearing high-heel shoes has become a habit among women of the present era. Statistics show that around 60% of women wear high-heel shoes at least thrice a week. High-heel shoes cause postural changes and damage...
Comparison of Q Angle and Tibial Torsion Among Premier League Futsal Players With and Without Hamstring Tightness
Purpose: Hamstring muscle is a two-jointed muscle, which is attached to the pelvis at one end and to tibia at the other. Contractures of the hamstring muscles affect the position of proximal and distal joints. The presen...
The Effect of Eight Weeks Resistance Training With and Without Vascular Occlusion on Physical Fitness Indexes, Growth Hormone, and Insulin-like Growth Factor in Male Judokas
Purpose: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of 8 weeks resistance training with and without vascular occlusion on physical fitness indexes, growth hormone, and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)...