Treating sensory impairments in the post-stroke upper limb with intermittent pneumatic compression. Results of a preliminary trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in treating sensory impairments in the hemiplegic upper limb in stroke patients.


METHODS
Twenty-three stroke patients were enrolled in a randomized, controlled preliminary trial that compared the application of intermittent pneumatic compression with a passive treatment strategy.


METHODS
Four Belgian day centres for treatment of neurological disabilities. Four acute and rehabilitation care wards specialized in neurological treatment.


METHODS
Twenty-three stroke patients.


METHODS
The experimental group (n = 11) received standard physiotherapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression treatment (10 cycles of 3 minutes with a peak of 40 mmHg) for their hemiplegic upper limb. The control group (n = 12) received supplementary to their conventional physiotherapy a placebo treatment, namely sham short-wave therapy on the hemiplegic shoulder for 30 minutes.


METHODS
Sensory impairments were clinically assessed at three occasions over a period of four weeks using the Nottingham Sensory Assessment scale.


RESULTS
Both groups improved in somatosensation over time, but the experimental group improved more than the control group (p= 0.036) or 81.1% improvement versus 30.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intermittent pneumatic compression in the rehabilitation of stroke patients may be of clinical importance for the restoration of sensory function.
Cambier
D C
DC
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Belgium. dirk.cambier@rug.ac.be
De Corte
E
E
Danneels
L A
LA
Witvrouw
E E
EE
D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011312:Pressure; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome