Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on spasticity of biceps brachii after stroke. Methods 12 patients with spasticity of biceps brachii after stroke were divided into control group (n=6) and ESWT group (n=6). The ESWT group received a session of ESWT and the control group received placebo treatment. All patients were assessed before and immediately after treatment, including integrated electromyogram (iEMG) and co-contraction ratio during maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) of elbow extension with surface electromyography, the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and content of shoulder and elbow of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Results The scores of MAS and FMA, the iEMG and the cocontraction ratio of biceps brachii improved in the ESWT group after the treatment (P<0.05), and improved more than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion ESWT can immediately relieve the spasticity of biceps brachii, inhibit the cocontraction of biceps brachii during elbow extension and improve the motor function of upper limb in patients post stroke.

Key words: stroke, spasticity, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, upper limb, motor function, surface electromyography