Abstract
ObjectivesTo investigate whether a footbath inhibits spasticity in the hemiplegic lower limbs of post-stroke patients. DesignRandomized, controlled study. SettingRehabilitation education and research hospital. InterventionsTwenty-two post-stroke patients were randomly allocated to control or experimental groups. After relaxing in a supine posture for 30min, the experimental group subject's legs were immersed in 41°C water below the knee joint for 15min, while the control group remained in a resting posture. Main outcome measuresModified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores of the affected triceps surae muscle and F-wave parameters (i.e., F-wave amplitude, F/M ratio, and F-wave persistence) were recorded before, immediately after, and 30min after each intervention. Physiological parameters were simultaneously monitored to determine the thermo-therapeutic mechanisms and side effects of footbath usage. ResultsAt the time immediately after the intervention, F-wave amplitudes decreased significantly in the experimental group, compared to the control group (p<0.01, difference: −106.8; 95% CI; −181.58 to −32.09). F-wave amplitudes decreased significantly after 30-min intervention in the experimental group, with a total reduction of 161.2μV being recorded compared to 8.8μV increase in the control group (p<0.01, difference: −170.0; 95% CI; −252.73 to −87.33). There were also significant differences between the experimental and control group for both F/M ratio and F-wave persistence, immediately after and 30min after the intervention. Further, there were significant differences between the experimental and control group for the MAS scores immediately after the intervention (p<0.05, difference: −0.72; 95% CI; −1.262 to −0.193), and 30min after the intervention (p<0.05, difference: −0.73; 95% CI; −1.162 to −0.293). ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that the use of footbaths is an effective non-pharmacological anti-spastic treatment for use in stroke rehabilitation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
