Neurodynamics on Spasticity in Upper Extremity of Stroke Patients.

Data will be collected from 40 patients with hemiplegia, caused by stroke from DHQ hospital Jhelum. its an RCT Neurodynamics with conventional treatment to experimental group and conventional treatment alone to control group will be applied for 6 weeks. Simple random sampling will be done and randomization will be done through tossing a coin. Intervention wil be applied and assesment will be done through fugl-meyer upper extremity scale, Modified Aashwarth scale,goniometry and action research arm test at zero, 3rd and 6th week.

Informed consent was taken and patients were assessed for eligibility and patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomized through simple random sampling into experimental and control group. Zero, 3rd and 6th week assessment was done through Action research arm test to assess upper limb performance, Goniometry to assess range of motion, Fugl-meyer upper extremity scale FMUE to assess motor functioning, sensation and joint functioning and modified ashworth scale MAS to assess spasticity. Intervention was applied for 6 weeks. The intervention in control group (n=23) was conventional treatment which includes stretching (static stretching for 20 sec) and range of motion exercises (within limit of range) . Intervention was administered one set per day (12 reps per set) four repetitions for each movement direction for 3 days a week, over a course of 6 weeks. The intervention in experimental group (n=23) was conventional treatment which includes stretching (static stretching for 20 sec) and range of motion exercises (within limit of range) with neurodynamics (Dynamic neural mobilization technique) which includes median, ulnar and radial nerve mobilization. Peripheral nerve was stretched for 20 sec with addition of dynamic movement which was performed after every 2 sec for a total of 20 sec. Neurodynamics was administered, one set per day (10 rep per set) , for 3 days a week, over a course of 6 weeks. Normality of data was checked through shapiro wilk test as sample size is <50 and parametric or non-parametric tests were applied accordingly through SPSS version 21. Rhythmic neurodynamics accelerated the nerve conduction velocity more than the general neurodynamics. Positive effect of neurodynamics to reduce tone, increase range and improve function of stroke patients were determined in 2016. Combination of neural mobilization and Botulinum toxin-A is effective to reduce pain and increase ranges of motion.Decrease in anxiety also occurs. Botulinum toxin inhibits release of acetylcholine causing a blockade of the neuromuscular patches without affecting the antagonist muscles resulting in reduced spasticity. Neural mobilization is effective than conventional neural mobilization to increase β-waves and decrease μ-rhythms in C3 and C4 areas of cerebral cortex (primary motor areas). Neural mobilization was effective for improving range of motion of shoulder joint in all degree of freedom by reducing muscle tension and increasing extensibility of neural tissue. Neural mobilization is effective to reduce spasticity in bicep brachii muscle. Decrease in myoelectric activity is the mechanism behind reduction of tone in stroke patients.

Neurodynamics (Dynamic Neural Mobilization) with conventional treatment (stretching, AROM) will be applied.

Neurodynamics with conventional treatment. Intervention will be applied for 6 weeks (10 reps per set, 1 set per day, 3 days per week) for 30 minutes

Effects of neurodynamics to reduce spasticity in uppper extremity will be assesed through Modified Ashwarth Scale changes from Baseline. Modified Ashwarth Scale is a specific scale to asses spasticity. Scoring is done from 0 (no increase in muscle tone) to 4 (affected part rigid in flexion or extension).

Range of motion Shoulder Joint (Flexion, Extension, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation )

Changes from the Baseline. Fugl Meyer is a stroke specific, performance based impairment index designed to assess motor functioning, sensation and joint functioning. The FMUE Scale comprises 33 items, each scored on a scale of 0 to 2, where 0 = cannot perform, 1 = performs partially and 2 = performs fully. FMUE Scale scores < 31 corresponded with 'no to poor' upper extremity capacity, while 32 to 47 represented 'limited capacity', 48 to 52 represented 'notable capacity' and 53 to 66 represented 'full' upper extremity capacity.

Changes from the baseline. Action research arm test is highly reliable and valid 19 items tool (grasp (6 items), grip(4 items), pinch (6 items) and gross movement (3 items) which is used to asses upper extremity performance (coordination, dexterity and functioning). In ARAT scoring is done from 0 (unable to complete) to 3 (complete with normal movement). Scores on the ARAT range from 0-57 points, with a maximum score of 57 points indicating better performance. The ARAT can be used to predict the functional recovery of the upper extremity in stroke rehabilitation. Scores of less than 10 points, between 10-56 points, and 57 points correlate with poor, moderate, and good recovery respectively.

Inclusion Criteria: Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of 1 to 3, chronic cases (6 -12 months) Exclusion Criteria: Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) 0 and 4, painfull upper extremity, orthopedic problem (e.g fracture) In upper extremity, UMNL other than stroke, Any signs of inflammation, infection or malignancy

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