Complex regional pain syndrome in stroke patients

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, and the factors influencing the development, of complex regional pain syndrome-I in the upper extremity in hemiplegic patients within the first 28 weeks following a stroke. We followed up 82 stroke patients. All patients were evaluated at weeks 2, 6, 14 and 28 after suffering a stroke. Outcomes were assessed using passive range of motion of shoulder, presence of subluxation, Ashworth score, Motricity index arm score, Brunnstrom stages and depression score. The incidence of complex regional pain syndrome-I was 48.8% in the first 28 weeks. Significant correlation was found between complex regional pain syndrome-I and the presence of subluxation, Ashworth score, Motricity index arm score, Brunnstrom stage and depression score (r=0.259, P=0.019; r=0.271, P=0.014; r=-0.393, P<0.001; r=-0.385, P<0.001; r=0.293, P=0.008, respectively). In this study, there was a relationship between complex regional pain syndrome-I and subluxation, loss of range of motion, spasticity of shoulder muscles and muscle strength. In order to prevent the development of complex regional pain syndrome-I, exercises directed at increasing the range of motion for the glenohumeral joint, strengthening shoulder muscles and reduction of spasticity will establish the integrity of the shoulder joint.     

The shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: clinical factors of severity and value of prognostic score of Perrigot]

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prognostical factors of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in stroke patients in attempt to improve the Perrigot prognostical score. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective study included 28 stroke patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. An initial clinical assessment including Perrigot score was made at the time of admission (before the end of the first month) and a second evaluation of reflex sympathetic dystrophy at the end of the third month. Patients were assessed using Motricity Index, Ashworth scale, de Bats grading (for glenohumeral alignment), Labrousse criteria (for reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity), and MADRS depression scale. Sensory deficit and unilateral neglect were noted. RESULTS: The length of stay in acute ward was 16 days. The Perrigot score was correlated with the reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001). It predicted the result of therapy. A significant correlation was found between reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity and motor deficit (r = -0.591, p = 0.0007) and spasticity (p < 0.05). No relation was found with stroke side, unilateral neglect, depression or shoulder subluxation. It wasn't possible to improve the Perrigot prognostical score. CONCLUSION: Perrigot score predict reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity and the result of therapy. The shoulder subluxation which is not included in this score appears to be not predictive. Shoulder subluxation is simply a marker of a severe paresis.     

肩部矫形器在脑卒中后异常步态康复中的研究进展

脑卒中后偏瘫通常对人体运动能力和稳定性产生不利影响,患者常因肌无力、双侧肢体肌张力失衡、感觉异常、关节和姿势控制不良等出现肩关节半脱位、异常步态。肩部矫形器常用于脑卒中偏瘫的早期预防或治疗肩关节半脱位,但目前仍存在争议。为探索肩部矫形器除预防和治疗肩关节半脱位外的作用,为肩部矫形器的选择及佩戴提供理论依据,该文阐述了肩部矫形器可能改善脑卒中后异常步态的机制,分类对比不同类型肩部矫形器对脑卒中后异常步态的矫正效果。     

Interrater and intrarater reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of acromion-greater tuberosity distance in healthy people

Acromion-greater tuberosity (AGT) distance could potentially be used to assess rotator cuff tears and shoulder subluxation in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. The aim of this study was to assess the interrater and intrarater reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of AGT distance in healthy people prior to testing on patient populations. Twenty healthy individuals (9 male, 11 female) with a mean age of 21 years (SD±2) were recruited. Three final year physiotherapy students (mean age 23 years) recorded the ultrasonographic measurements of AGT distance by using a standardised protocol. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM). The mean AGT distances, as measured by rater one, two, and three were 2.24±0.45?cm, 2.27±0.37?cm, and 2.21±0.31, respectively. The interrater reliability coefficient was ICC=0.79, and the intrarater reliability coefficients were 0.88, 0.84, and 0.91 for each rater. The SEM for the AGT distance measurements was ≤0.15?cm for all three raters. Ultrasonographic measurements of AGT distance demonstrate good intrarater and interrater reliability in healthy individuals even when measured by three relatively inexperienced raters. It has potential to provide quantitative measurements for the clinical management of pathologies such as poststroke shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tears.     

Percutaneous intramuscular neuromuscular electric stimulation for the treatment of shoulder subluxation and pain in patients with chronic hemiplegia: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous intramuscular neuromuscular electric stimulation (perc-NMES) for treating shoulder subluxation and pain in patients with chronic hemiplegia. DESIGN: Before-after trial. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 8 neurologically stable subjects with chronic hemiplegia and shoulder subluxation. INTERVENTION: Six weeks of perc-NMES to the subluxated shoulder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shoulder subluxation (radiograph), shoulder pain (Brief Pain Inventory), motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer score), shoulder pain-free external rotation (handheld goniometer), and disability (FIM instrument) were assessed before treatment (T1), after 6 weeks of neuromuscular stimulation (T2), and at 3-month follow-up (T3). A 1-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance using the generalized estimating equation approach was used to evaluate differences from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 for all outcome measures. RESULTS: Subluxation (p =.0117), pain (p =.0115), shoulder pain-free external rotation (p <.0001), and disability (p =.0044) improved significantly from T1 to T2. Subluxation (p =.0066), pain (p =.0136), motor impairment (p <.0001), shoulder pain-free external rotation (p =.0234), and disability (p =.0152) improved significantly from T1 to T3. CONCLUSIONS: Perc-NMES is feasible for treating shoulder dysfunction in hemiplegia and may reduce shoulder subluxation, reduce pain, improve range of motion, enhance motor recovery, and reduce disability in patients with chronic hemiplegia and shoulder subluxation. Further investigation is warranted.     

Reliability and validity of ultrasonographic measurements of acromion-greater tuberosity distance in poststroke hemiplegia

Kumar P, Bradley M, Gray S, Swinkels A. Reliability and validity of ultrasonographic measurements of acromion-greater tuberosity distance in poststroke hemiplegia.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to assess the intrarater reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of acromion-greater tuberosity (AGT) distance in patients with stroke using portable ultrasound. A secondary aim was to determine the discriminant validity of the ultrasonographic technique by comparison of AGT distance measurements of stroke-affected and unaffected shoulders.

Design

Test–retest design.

Setting

Two local National Health Service hospitals in the South West of England.

Participants

Patients with first-time stroke (N=26; 16 men, 10 women; mean age ± SD, 71±10y) with 1-sided weakness who gave informed consent were recruited.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Portable diagnostic ultrasound was used to record measurements on day 1 and again within a fortnight. Bedside measurements were undertaken by a single physical therapist with patients seated upright in a standard hospital chair. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard errors of measurement were used to assess reliability. Minimum detectable change (MDC90) scores were used to estimate the magnitude of change that is likely to exceed measurement error. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess discriminant validity.

Results

Mean ± SD AGT distances on the stroke-affected side and unaffected side were 2.3±0.6cm and 1.9±0.3cm, respectively. ICC for within-day reliability was .98 for the affected shoulder and .95 for the unaffected shoulder. Corresponding values for between-day reliability were .94 and .76. The standard error of measurement for both affected and unaffected shoulders was less than 0.2cm. Within-day MDC90 for the affected shoulder and the unaffected shoulder was ±0.2cm and ±0.1cm, respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between mean AGT distance for the affected and unaffected shoulders.

Conclusions

Ultrasonographic measurement of AGT distance demonstrates both intrarater reliability and discriminant validity and has the potential to assess shoulder subluxation in patients with stroke. Research into interrater reliability and concurrent validity of ultrasonographic measurements of AGT distance in patients with stroke is required.     

Percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P-NMES) for treating shoulder pain in chronic hemiplegia. Effects on shoulder pain and quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P-NMES) of the shoulder muscles on shoulder pain intensity and health-related quality of life in chronic hemiplegia. DESIGN: Prospective, open label design. SETTING: The outpatient services of a large teaching rehabilitation hospital in The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Fifteen stroke survivors with chronic (> six months) hemiplegia and a therapy-resistant painful shoulder with subluxation. All patients suffered from clinically relevant shoulder pain, as assessed by a score of at least 4 out of 10 on a numerical rating scale. Shoulder subluxation was indicated by at least 1/2 fingerbreadth of glenohumeral separation on palpation. INTERVENTION: Six hours of P-NMES per day for a total of six weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shoulder pain (Brief Pain Inventory), shoulder subluxation (clinical and radiographic), shoulder pain-free external rotation (hand-held goniometer), motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Motor test) and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed before treatment, after six weeks of intramuscular stimulation, at three months and six months follow-up. RESULTS: A significant reduction in pain was found on the Brief Pain Inventory. Pain reduction was still present at six months follow-up. All domains, in particular bodily pain, of the SF-36 showed improvement in the short term. After six months of follow-up, bodily pain was still strongly and significantly reduced, whereas social functioning and role physical demonstrated a nonsignificant improvement of more than 10% compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: This pilot suggests that P-NMES potentially reduces shoulder pain in chronic hemiplegia. To establish the clinical value of P-NMES in treating hemiplegic shoulder pain a randomized controlled trial is needed.     

Clinical factors associate with shoulder subluxation in stroke patients]

OBJECTIVE: This study explores whether shoulder subluxation after stroke is related to age, hemiplegic side motor impairment, spasticity, sensory deficit, depression, unilateral neglect and length of stay in acute ward. METHOD: This prospective study included 57 patients with hemiplegia. The shoulder subluxation was systematically detected by radiography and quantified according to de Bats score. The complete clinical assessment of the upper limb on day 15 analyzed motricity (motricity index), spasticity of shoulder adductors and biceps (Ashworth), sensory deficit, unilateral neglect and depression (MADRS). Age, side of hemiplegia and the aetiology were also noted. We researched relations between shoulder subluxation and these clinical factors. Means were compared using Mann Whitney and chi(2) tests. Coefficients of correlation were estimated between two quantitative variables. A multiple regression analysis was also conducted including all significant parameters, the dependent variable being the shoulder subluxation. RESULTS: Shoulder subluxation was observed in 32% of hemiplegic patients. After multiple regression analysis, the main clinical factors related to subluxation were motor (p < 0.0001), spasticity of shoulder adductors (p = 0.028) and age (p = 0.036). Statistically, the risk of subluxation was divided by 1.62 (1.07, 2.43) for every five years age growth and by two (1.33, 2.94) when the motricity index went up by ten points. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the age could play an independent part. The loss of elasticity of the periarticular tissues when ageing could have a protective role.     

Reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale and the Modified Ashworth Scale in adult patients with severe brain injury: a comparison study

OBJECTIVE: To assess and to compare the reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale with the Modified Ashworth Scale in patients with severe brain injury and impaired consciousness. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational comparison study. SETTING: An early rehabilitation centre for adults with neurological disorders. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients with impaired consciousness due to severe cerebral damage of various aetiologies. MEASUREMENT PROTOCOL: Four experienced physical therapists rated each patient in a randomized order once daily for two consecutive days. Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle spasticity were assessed by the use of Modified Tardieu Scale and Modified Ashworth Scale data collection procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest and inter-rater reliability (kappa = kappa value) of the Modified Tardieu Scale and the Modified Ashworth Scale. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale was moderate to good (kappa = 0.47-0.62) and of the Modified Tardieu Scale moderate to very good (kappa = 0.52-0.87). Test-retest reliability was significantly higher within the Modified Tardieu Scale in comparison with the Modified Ashworth Scale (Z > 1.96; p < 0.05) except for shoulder extensor and internal rotator muscles (Z < 1.96; p > 0.05). Although inter-rater reliability of both scales was poor to moderate (Modified Ashworth Scale: kappa = 0.16-0.42; Modified Tardieu Scale: kappa = 0.29-0.53), significantly higher K-values were revealed with the Modified Tardieu Scale for all tested muscle groups (Z > 1.96; p < 0.05) except for wrist extensors (Z < 1.96; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with severe brain injury and impaired consciousness the Modified Tardieu Scale provides higher test retest and inter-rater reliability compared with the Modified Ashworth Scale and may therefore be a more valid spasticity scale in adults.     

Comparing stimulation-induced pain during percutaneous (intramuscular) and transcutaneous neuromuscular electric stimulation for treating shoulder subluxation in hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether percutaneous (intramuscular) neuromuscular electric stimulation (perc-NMES) is less painful than transcutaneous neuromuscular electric stimulation (trans-NMES) for treating shoulder subluxation in hemiplegia. DESIGN: Double-blind, crossover trial. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 10 hemiplegic subjects with at least 1 fingerbreadth of glenohumeral subluxation. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects received 3 randomly ordered pairs of perc-NMES and trans-NMES to the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles of the subluxated shoulder. Both types of stimulation were optimized to provide full joint reduction with minimal discomfort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain was assessed after each stimulation with a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire, using the Pain Rating Index (PRI) scoring method. Subjects were asked which type of stimulation they would prefer for 6 weeks of treatment. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to compare median differences in VAS and PRI between perc-NMES and trans-NMES. RESULTS: Median VAS scores for perc-NMES and trans-NMES were 1 and 5.7, respectively (p = .007). Median PRI scores for perc-NMES and trans-NMES were 7 and 19.5, respectively (p = .018). Nine of the 10 subjects preferred perc-NMES to trans-NMES for treatment. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that perc-NMES is less painful than trans-NMES in the treatment of shoulder subluxation in hemiplegia.     

Kinematics of the contralateral and ipsilateral shoulder: a possible relationship with post-stroke shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE: Post-stroke shoulder pain is a common phenomenon in hemiplegia and impedes rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to identify a possible relationship between post-stroke shoulder pain, scapula resting position and shoulder motion. METHODS: Shoulder kinematics of 27 patients after stroke (17 men) were compared with 10 healthy age-matched control subjects. Using an electromagnetic tracking device, the kinematics of both the contralateral and ipsilateral (i.e. paretic and non-paretic) arm during active and passive abduction and forward flexion were measured and expressed in Euler angles. RESULTS: Scapular lateral rotation relative to the thorax was increased in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain compared with both patients without post-stroke shoulder pain and control subjects at rest as well as during arm abduction and forward flexion. Additionally, glenohumeral elevation was decreased in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain during passive abduction. No differences were found regarding scapula position (displacement relative to the thorax). CONCLUSION: In patients with post-stroke shoulder pain a particular kinematical shoulder pattern was established, characterized by enhanced scapular lateral rotation and diminished glenohumeral mobility.     

Biomechanical analysis of four supports for the subluxed hemiparetic shoulder

External support systems, such as slings and lapboards, may reduce shoulder subluxation in individuals with hemiplegia. However there is controversy among occupational therapists concerning the most appropriate method to support the affected arm. The purpose of the present paper is to report the biomechanical analysis of four support systems; two shoulder support systems, a Bobath axillary roll, and a laptray. Two dimensional static biomechanical analyses determine the mechanical characteristics of each of these four support systems. The results of the analyses demonstrate the magnitude of the shoulder loading and the effectiveness of the various components of each of the systems. The effect of changing some of the characteristics of the slings is demonstrated. Slings with straps over the unaffected shoulder provide continuous support for the flaccid extremity. The Bobath axillary roll may introduce an unwanted lateral force. Lapboards must be maintained at an appropriate distance from the subluxed shoulder to be effective. This theoretical analysis of supports systems will provide therapists information to help them understand effective supports for subluxation.     

Electromyography characterization of stretch responses in hemiparetic stroke patients and their relationship with the Modified Ashworth scale

OBJECTIVES: To determine the validity of the Modified Ashworth Scale as a measure of spasticity by determining its relationship to surface electromyography activity and contracture. DESIGN: A controlled study of hemiparetic stroke patients with spasticity. SETTING: A physiotherapy department in a secondary care hospital. SUBJECTS: Thirty-one stroke patients and 20 healthy volunteers. MAIN MEASURES: The resistance to passive movement around the knee and ankle of the affected and unaffected legs was rated using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Passive range of movement was measured with a goniometer. Surface electromyography recordings of four lower limb muscles were taken during passive stretches of the knee and ankle. RESULTS: Hemiparetic patients produced surface electromyography responses to stretch that were of greater amplitude (unaffected limbs: mean = 25.82 mV (43.85), affected limbs: mean = 24.77 mV (35.46)) than those of healthy volunteers (mean = 15.85 (29.96)). The affected muscles of hemiparetic patients were more likely to produce surface electromyography responses to stretch of a sustained duration (45% of cases) compared with unaffected limbs (24% of cases) and those of healthy volunteers (16% of cases). The Modified Ashworth Scale showed a positive correlation with the magnitude (p < 0.05) and duration (p < 0.001) of the surface electromyography response. High scores on the Modified Ashworth Scale were associated with contracture (p < 0.001). Contracted muscles produced significantly greater surface electromyography reflex responses compared with noncontracted muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Modified Ashworth Scale reflects spasticity in terms of surface electromyography stretch responses produced by passive movement, but the relationship of spasticity to contracture remains unclear.     

Rotation of the scapula and shoulder subluxation in hemiplegia

Inferior subluxation of the shoulder in hemiplegia was measured using a tridimensional (3-D) x-ray technique. This technique gave the true vertical distance separating the apex of the humeral head and the inferior margin of the glenoid cavity. Both shoulders of each subject were evaluated and the difference used as a measure of subluxation. This measure was then compared to the orientation of the scapula relative to the vertical, to the abduction, and to the relative abduction of the arm. Relative abduction is defined as the angle between the humerus and the glenoid fossa. It has been suggested that these factors are associated with inferior subluxation in hemiplegia. Results of this study of 50 volunteer stroke patients indicated that the affected and nonaffected shoulders were different (subluxed) in terms of the vertical position of the humerus vis-à-vis the scapula. The orientation of the glenoid cavities was also different, the subluxed one facing less downward. The angle of abduction of the arm of the affected side was significantly greater than on the nonaffected side, but the relative abduction of the arm was on the same order of magnitude for both sides. There was no significant relationship between the orientation of the scapula and the severity of the subluxation. The abduction of the humerus was weakly (r = .24) related to the subluxation, which partly explained the weak association found between the relative abduction of the arm and the subluxation. It was concluded that the position of the scapula and the relative abduction of the arm cannot be considered important factors in the occurrence of inferior subluxation in hemiplegia.     

Clinical factors in the prognosis of complex regional pain syndrome type I after stroke: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical prognostic factors of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) in patients with stroke in an attempt to improve the Perrigot score, which does not include shoulder subluxation, unilateral neglect, or depression. DESIGN: This was a prospective study. The initial clinical data (first month) included motor index, Ashworth scale, de Bats score for shoulder subluxation, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and sensory disorders evaluation. The prognosis of CRPS I was evaluated from the Perrigot score. A score of CRPS I severity was measured on entry and 3 mo later. RESULTS: Of the 71 patients with hemiplegia who were included, 34.8% had a CRPS I. The five main clinical factors in the prognosis of CRPS I were motor deficit, spasticity, sensory deficits, and initial coma. The prognostic score of Perrigot was strongly correlated with the CRPS I severity and was predictive of subsequent progression. CONCLUSION: Shoulder subluxation, unilateral neglect, and depression did not seem to be determinant predictive factors of CRPS I severity.     

充气式肩吊带对偏瘫后肩关节半脱位的疗效

目的观察充气式肩吊带对偏瘫后肩关节半脱位的治疗作用。方法将68例脑卒中偏瘫伴肩关节半脱位的患者分为治疗组和对照组各34例。两组患者均接受常规康复技术治疗肩关节半脱位,治疗组患者在此基础上佩戴充气式肩吊带。治疗前后根据X线片测量双侧肩峰与肱骨头间距(AHI),进行Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定,视觉模拟评分(VAS)评定肩痛。结果治疗8周后,与对照组相比,治疗组的复位率及总有效率无显著性差异(P>0.05);治疗组肩痛发生率、VAS评分、患侧上肢Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论在常规康复治疗的基础上,加用充气式肩吊带治疗偏瘫后肩关节半脱位,可减少肩痛的发生,减轻肩痛程度,有利于提高偏瘫上肢运动功能。     

Shoulder pain in hemiplegia: results from a national rehabilitation hospital in Turkey

OBJECTIVE: Shoulder pain is a common complication after stroke that can limit the patients' ability to reach their maximum functional potential and impede rehabilitation. The aim of our study was to examine the occurrence of hemiplegic shoulder pain in a group of Turkish patients and clarify contributing factors such as glenohumeral subluxation, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, tonus changes, motor functional level, limitation in shoulder range of motion, thalamic pain, neglect, and time since onset of hemiplegia. The effect of shoulder pain on the duration of rehabilitation stay was also identified. DESIGN: A total of 85 consecutive patients with hemiplegia admitted to a national rehabilitation center were evaluated for the presence of shoulder pain. A brief history of pain was taken for each patient, and each patient was evaluated by radiographic and ultrasonographic examination. The subjects with shoulder pain were compared with those without pain in regard to certain of the above variables. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients with stroke, 54 patients (54/85, 63.5%) were found to have shoulder pain. Shoulder pain was significantly more frequent in subjects with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, lower motor functional level of shoulder and hand (P < 0001), subluxation, and limitation of external rotation and flexion of shoulder (P < 0,05). Age was also a significant factor in the development of shoulder pain. We were unable to demonstrate a significant relationship between shoulder pain and sex, time since onset of disease, hemiplegic side, pathogenesis, spasticity, neglect, and thalamic pain. There was no prolongation of rehabilitation stay in patients with shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that shoulder pain is a frequent complication after stroke and that it may develop from a variety of factors. To prevent and alleviate shoulder pain, efforts should be directed toward proper positioning of the shoulder, range of motion activities, and the avoidance of immobilization.     

The use of electrical stimulation and taping to address shoulder subluxation for a patient with central cord syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This case report describes the examination, intervention, and outcome of a patient with central cord syndrome (CCS) who participated in acute rehabilitation that included the use of electrical stimulation (ES) and strapping to address shoulder subluxation. The only literature found describing these interventions for shoulder subluxation was for patients with stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 29-year-old man with CCS and bilateral shoulder subluxation. He received ES over 8 weeks to the anterior and middle deltoid and supraspinatus muscles of the right shoulder. Taping was repeated every 3 to 4 days on both shoulders following over the anterior and middle deltoid muscles up to the acromion. OUTCOMES: The initial shoulder subluxation measurements were 1.5 cm on the right and 1.0 cm on the left. The final measurements were 0.3 cm on the right and 0.2 cm on the left. The patient's American Spinal Injury Association upper-extremity motor scores were 26/50 initially and 48/50 at discharge. CONCLUSION: The use of ES and shoulder taping in conjunction with other rehabilitation may have played a role in reducing the patient's shoulder subluxation.     

脑卒中偏瘫患者步行速度临床决定因素的分析

目的 判别决定脑卒中偏瘫患者步行速度最重要的临床变量。方法 32例恢复步行能力的脑卒中偏瘫患者，测定在自然舒适状态下的10m步行速度，用Fug1—Meyer评价法评测下肢运动功能，用Motricity指数评测下肢肌力，用Berg平衡量表评定平衡功能，用改良Ashworth评定法评定足跖屈肌张力。对步行速度和临床变量进行Pearson相关分析，然后进行逐步回归分析。结果 患者的步行速度与下肢运动功能、平衡功能和下肢肌力之间呈高度正相关(r＝0．781—0．834，P＜0．001)；下肢运动功能与步行速度之间的相关性更高(r＝0．834)；步行速度与足跖屈肌张力痉挛程度呈负相关(r＝-0．461，P＜0．05)。进一步回归分析分析发现，下肢运动功能对步行速度有显著性影响(R^2＝0．696，P＜0．001)。结论 下肢运动功能是决定脑卒中偏瘫患者步行速度最重要的临床因素。     

早期综合性康复对偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位的影响

目的:探讨早期综合性康复治疗对偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位的疗效。方法 :对21例偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位进行早期综合性康复治疗 ,并与20例接受常规治疗的同病患者对照。结果 :4个月治疗后 ,两组间治愈率存在显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论 :早期综合性康复治疗对偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位有效。