The effect of physiotherapeutic ultrasound on muscle spasticity in patients with hemiplegia: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Spasticity is one part of the upper motor neuron syndrome. Untreated spasticity not only causes loss of motor control that results in functional disability, but can easily lead to joint contractures as well. Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of patients with spasticity. Among the modalities, Therapeutic ultrasound has become an important modality for treatment of various conditions including spasticity.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ultrasound on spasticity.


METHODS
In this before-after study, four adult patients (mean age: 57.5 +/- 14.43) with first ever stroke and resulting in hemiplegia participated in the study. The outcome measures were the Ashworth Scale for the assessment of spasticity, ankle passive and active range of motion, and the Hmax: Mmax ratio.


RESULTS
The mean of Ashworth scores, Hmax:Mmax ratio, and passive range of motion in ankle joint improved after treatment with ultrasound, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The study did not show a significant decrease in spasticity after ultrasound therapy. A study with a large number of patients and a control group would clarify the effects of ultrasound on spasticity.
Ansari
N N
NN
Rehabilitation Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. nakhostin@sina.tums.ac.ir
Adelmanesh
F
F
Naghdi
S
S
Tabtabaei
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000843:Ankle Joint; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*