Local vibration stimulation may be an effective method for performing arm reach movement in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe the kinematic change of elbow movement in arm stretching when vibration stimulation was applied to the affected upper limb in stroke patients.

Methods: The study design used a one-group cross-over trial design, and included 10 chronic stroke patients. After applying local vibration stimulation to the subject's affected biceps brachii at 70 Hz randomly for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, the kinematic movement of reaching the arm was analyzed through a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Dependent variables included the maximum angular velocity in the elbow movement, the time to the maximum angular velocity, and the movement unit.

RESULTS: In performing arm stretching, the elbow movement was faster, smoother, and more efficient than when local vibration stimulation was applied for 20 minutes. The maximum angular velocity of the elbow movement increased (p<0.05), and the time to maximum angular velocity and motor unit significantly decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Local vibration stimulation can be an effective method to improve the kinematic components of the hemiplegic stroke patient performing the reaching arm movement.