Effectiveness of NeuroMuscular Taping on Painful Hemiplegic Shoulder

Effectiveness of NeuroMuscular Taping in a Population of Post Stroke Hemiplegic Patients Suffering From Painful Shoulder Syndrome - Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Painful Shoulder Syndrome is a frequent complication after stroke occurring in between 5% and 84% of patients, often having a strong impact on their well-being and resulting in delays achieving rehabilitative objectives. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Taping in a population of post-stroke hemiplegic patients suffering from painful shoulder syndrome with respect to pain, spasticity and range of motion.

The study will use two groups according to the methodology of Randomized Controlled Trials. Both components of the two groups were treated by four rehabilitation sessions defined as "standard". This involves joint health and passive mobility for the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints for a period of about 45 minutes each. The patients of the sample group underwent the application of the NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) before each rehabilitative session. The control group was addressed exclusively to the "standard" treatment. The sessions were spaced apart about five days to ensure the optimum adhesion of NMT. The results were evaluated by administering rating scales for pain (VAS) and spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale). The ROM was evaluated using the manual goniometer. The outcomes (Pain, Spasticity, ROM) were assessed at base line, before and after each treatment session and at 1 month follow up.

Standard physical therapy program is delivered for four rehabilitation sessions for a period of about 45 minutes each.

NeuroMuscular Taping is delivered in addiction to the "Standard Treatment" for four rehabilitation sessions. The sessions were spaced apart about five days to ensure the optimum adhesion of the NMT.

Standard physical therapy program in this study involves joint health and passive mobility at the level of the shoulder girdle and upper limb affected by Painful Shoulder Syndrome associated with the modulation of hypertonic muscle groups.

The NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) consists of the application on the skin of an adhesive tape with a particular structure to elastic waves and with characteristics comparable to those cutaneous. Because of these characterises it allows activation of endogenous analgesic, structural and muscular support, vascular and lymphatic activation. In this study the NMT is applied with decompressive mode on Pectoralis Major, Deltoids, Supraspinatus.

Inclusion Criteria: Right or left hemiplegia resulting from an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke Painful Shoulder Syndrome, with pain at rest and during functional movement of the shoulder girdle Spasticity with an Ashworth score greater than or equal to 1. Exclusion Criteria: Flaccidity Thermoalgesic sensitivity deficits Previous surgery to the shoulder Cognitive impairment Taking anti-inflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants during the course of the trial

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