Kinematic improvement after the external-application herbs combine rehabilitation in upper-limb spasticity due to stroke

摘要

Highlights TCM compress combined with modern rehabilitation is obviously superior to single rehabilitation training, which serves as a safe, simple, fast and effective therapeutic method for motor function rehabilitation of stroke patients. Editor’s Summary For stroke patients, combined with non-drug therapy can significant improve the therapeutic effects of conventional medicine treatment. However, the standard of the treatment should be noteworthiness. Background Spasm is one of the most serious physical impairment after stroke. The external-application of herbs has showed the curative effects on the spasm to some degree. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of external-application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on both conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy in upper limb spasticity after stroke. Methods A total of 100 patients with upper limb spasm after stroke (stroke occurred less than 1 month), have been recruited in Shunyi Hospital of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Patients were randomly allotted to two groups respectively (n = 50, respectively) the control group (conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy), and the treatment group (external-application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy). The two groups were administered once a month for three months. The primary outcome were Modified Ashworth score and Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper limb. Results Muscle tension and motor function were evaluated before and 4 weeks after treatments. There was a significant improvement in muscle tension and motor function in patients with stroke after the therapy of external-application herbs combined with conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy (P 0.05). Conclusion Patients’ kinematic function can be improved after the external-application of herbs and modern rehabilitation therapy in upper limb.