Long-term vibratory stimulation for stroke patients had a positive effect on joint recovery

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vibration stimulation on upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Method: The study period was conducted on 13 stroke patients from December 9 to 28, 2013, and all participants were selected with informed consent for the study. Thirteen subjects were each divided into an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=6), and vibration stimulation was provided to the experimental group, and the control group was prevented from providing vibration stimulation by removing the SD card containing the vibration program. A placebo was applied. Vibration stimulator intervention to improve upper extremity function was performed 5 times a week for a total of 10 sessions for 2 weeks, and both groups received occupational therapy and physical therapy during the experimental period. The evaluation was conducted twice in total, pre- and post-evaluation. As dependent variables, upper extremity motor function, spasticity, hand dexterity, sensory function, and movement quality using 3D motion analysis were evaluated.

RESULTS: As a result of the intervention, in the experimental group, there was a significant improvement in the agility of the elbow joint movement and the sense of static two-point discrimination (p<.05), but not significant in upper extremity motor function, hand agility, and stiffness (p>.05). . The control group showed no statistical difference before and after the intervention (p>.05). In comparison between groups, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group before the intervention (p>.05), and after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant difference in the instantaneous ability of the elbow joint movement and the sense of static two-point discrimination compared to the control group (p<lt; ;.05).

Conclusion: Long-term vibratory stimulation for stroke patients had a positive effect on the movement and sensory function recovery of the affected elbow joint. Future research will need to study how to use vibrational stimulation more functionally and actually apply it to everyday life.