Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: February | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 49-56
Effect of Circumferential Pressure Application by Sphygmomanometer on Spasticity and Motor Functions in Patients with Stroke
Shailesh Gardas1, Masumi Shah2
1Asst. Professor, MGM College of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
2Intern, MGM College of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Shailesh Gardas
ABSTRACT
One of the most common concerns in stroke patients is spasticity resulting in functional limitations such as hand dexterity, gait and balance disorders. Hence, this study was aimed to examine the effects of conventional physiotherapy versus circumferential pressure on spasticity, balance, hand dexterity and gait parameters. 28 subjects with stroke were recruited in the study and they were divided in two equal groups; namely interventional and conventional therapy groups. Standard sphygmomanometer (BP) cuff was tied around wrist flexors and inflated to 70-80 mm Hg for 5 min and then a rest pause was given for a min. This process was repeated two more times. The same was repeated for plantar flexors of the affected limb. Spasticity, balance, hand dexterity and gait were assessed using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Triple Spasticity Scale (TSS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) respectively pre and post 4 weeks of intervention. On intra-group comparison in interventional group; MAS and TSS scores of both wrist and plantar flexors, DGI, BBS and CAHAI scores showed significant improvement. However, values of DGI, BBS and CAHAI were more significant in interventional than in conventional group. Significant improvement was seen on inter group comparison in spasticity of plantar flexors in MAS and TSS scores along with DGI and BBS scores. Thus, the present study provides good evidence of anti spastic effect of circumferential pressure by sphygmomanometer on wrist and plantar flexors and also its positive effect on motor functions like gait, balance and hand dexterity in patients with stroke.
Key words: Sphygmomanometer, pressure, spasticity, functions, Triple Spasticity Scale.