Rehabilitation of Stroke-Induced Spastic Paralysis using Stretching-resisting Modality Combined with LFEA (Low-Frequency Electric Acupuncture) Stimulation

Abstract

Background and Aim: In order to establish the method of rehabiliting the stroke-induced spastic paralysis, we tried stretching-resisting modality, combining with LFEA (low-frequency electric acupuncture) stimulation on the muscle. Methods: A total of 137 patients were devided into two groups-trial group (n=75) and compared group (n=62). Two groups of patients were given stretching-resisting modalities on paralysed muscles respectively, and LFEA (low-frequency electric acupuncture) stimulation was combined in the trial group, but not in the compared group. We have evaluated the paralysis using well-known scores as Ashworth Scales and Barthel Indices (BI) in the early days of admission and after we have finished the treatment. Then, we compared improved variances of the measures between two groups statistically. Results: We found that Ashworth Scale in trial group significantly reduced than in compared group, and more quickly reduced. Barthel Indice were significantly changed in both groups, but total BI and 2 BI items (transferring between bed and wheelchair, mobility on surface level) were increased significantly in trial group than in combined group. Conclusion: The combination of LFEA stimulation might increase the therapeutic effects for rehabilitation of stroke-induced spastic paralysis than simple stretching-resisting modality, and reduces the length of time to recovery. And the mostly changed ADLs (activities of daily life) might be transferring between bed and wheelchair and mobility on surface level.