《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2022, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (11): 1252-1258.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2022.11.003

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of sling-massage exercise on upper limb spasticity for stroke patients at recovery stage

LI Zewen1,ZHANG Peixiao2,LI Li2()   

  1. 1. College of Rehabilitation, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, Shandong 250355, China
    2. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, Shandong 250001, China
  • Received:2022-09-01 Revised:2022-10-28 Published:2022-11-25 Online:2022-12-20
  • Contact: LI Li E-mail:lily.jinan@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Shandong Key R & D Program(2017GSF19114);Shandong Science and Technology Development Program of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2019-1064);Shandong Science Program of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2021M006)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of sling-massage exercise on upper limb spasticity for stroke patients.

Methods From March, 2021 to January, 2022, 60 patients with hemiplegia and spasticity from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into control group (n= 30) and experimental group (n= 30). Both groups accepted conventional therapy; additionally, the control group accepted stretching training, while the experimental group accepted sling-massage exercise, for four weeks. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), modified Barthel Index (MBI), H-reflex latency and the Hmax/Mmax ratio before and after treatment; while the root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of the affected biceps brachii, triceps brachii, wrist flexor and wrist extensor were measured with surface electromyography.

Results All the indexes improved after treatment in both groups (|t| > 2.411, |Z| > 4.441, P< 0.05), and the MAS scores of some muscles, FMA-UE score, MBI score, H-reflex latency, RMS and the iEMG of some muscles improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.149, |Z| > 2.037, P< 0.05).

Conclusion Sling-massage exercise could improve upper limb spasticity, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living for stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, hemiplegia, spasm, sling exercise, massage, reciprocal inhibition

CLC Number: