Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave on Upper Limb Spasticity of Hemiplegic Patients
Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on upper limb spasticity of hemiplegic pa-tients. Methods 30 hemiplegic patients with upper extremity spasticity were divided into ESWT group (n=15) and control group (n=15). Routine rehabilitation therapy was administrated in two groups. Furthermore, ESWT group received 4 sessions (once a week) of ESWT. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were used in evaluation at different time points: pre-treatment, each treatment and follow-up 4 weeks after treatment. Results The scores of MAS decreased and the scores of FMA increased in the ESWT group since the 1st session (P<0.05), only in the control group after the 4th session (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the scores of MAS decreased in the ESWT group (P<0.01) since the 1st ESWT and the scores of FMA increased since the 4th session (P<0.01). There was no side effect associated with ESWT. Conclusion EWST is effective, sustained and safe on upper limb spasticity of hemiplegics.
Keywords:extracorporeal shock wavespasticityupper extremityhemiplegia
Publication Date:2013-01-01
Online Publishing Date:2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages:4( 755-758 )
