Facilitation of sensory and motor recovery by thermal intervention for the hemiplegic upper limb in acute stroke patients: A single-blind randomized clinical trial

Jia Ching Chen, Chung Chao Liang, Fu Zen Shaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Thermal stimulation (TS) is commonly used in orthopedic rehabilitation, but the role of TS in the facilitation of sensorimotor recovery in hemiplegic patients remains unknown. This study addressed the issue of TS intervention in the facilitation of functional outcomes. Methods - Forty-six stroke survivors were randomly assigned to standard rehabilitation treatment and standard treatment plus TS (30 minutes daily for 6 weeks). Twenty-nine patients completed the experiment. Six measures, including Brunnstrom stage, modified motor assessment scale, grasping strength, angles of wrist extension and flexion, sensation by monofilament, and muscle tone by modified Ashworth scale, were performed weekly to evaluate sensory and motor functional outcomes. Results - The performance of Brunnstrom stage and wrist extension and sensation were improved significantly after TS intervention. Recovery rates of 6 measures after TS were significantly higher than those of the control, except for grasping. Similar muscle tones were found in both groups. Conclusion - TS on the paretic hand significantly enhances the recovery of several aspects of sensory and motor functions in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2665-2669
Number of pages5
JournalStroke
Volume36
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005 Dec

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • General Neuroscience
  • General Psychology

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