Effects of cryotherapy on tonic adequacy upper limb hemiparesis after stroke.

Abstract

Introduction: After stroke , over 80 % of survivors have hemiparesis associated with muscle weakness . It is cited as a major deficiency , responsible for reducing the functional use of the upper limb . Spasticity , changes in muscle tone caused by injury to the upper moto neuron is present in most patients who suffer strokes , cause resistance to mobilization speed dependent , the individual providing significant motor changes , which lead to the difficulty of movement , limiting activities of daily living , especially in manual tasks . Objective: This study aims to compare the evolution of the treatment of hemiplegic patients using cryotherapy before the exercises cinesioterapêuticos . Methods: Among the resources in physical therapy as a treatment for spasticity , will be used cryotherapy technique , which consists in the use of cold to promote relaxation of the area to be treated and allow progressive active exercise without pain and with good range of motion . In the case of patients suffering from stroke , cryotherapy may reduce muscle atrophy, it can adjust the tone to achieve the motion. Results: After reviews all patients increased their level of functional independence , both the Fugl- Meyer and the Functional Independence Measure , with physical therapy associated with the use of ice. Conclusion: Further research may prove the efficacy of ice in reducing spasticity in post-stroke patients.