Handgrip exercise by the non-affected hand increases venous return in the contralateral axillary vein in patients with stroke: a pilot study

Hiroyuki Hayashi,Bunzo Matsuoka,Motoyuki Abe

doi:10.1186/s13104-018-3475-6

Abstract

ObjectiveTreatment of hand edema is important for maintaining upper limb function in patients with stroke, although the effects of many such treatments have been limited. This study aimed to examine, using ultrasound, the effect of handgrip exercise by the non-affected hand of stroke patients on venous return in the affected upper limb.ResultsSeven men participated, within 6 months of a unilateral first-ever stroke. With the patient supine, examinations were performed on the axillary vein of the affected side. The diameter and flow velocity of the axillary vein on the affected side were measured during two regimens: at rest or during rhythmic resistance exercise (30% of maximum grip strength for 20 s) performed by the non-affected hand. The venous flow volume in the axillary vein was then calculated using the data obtained. During resistance exercise by the non-affected hand, there were significant increases in both venous flow velocity (p = 0.01, d = − 0.80) and volume (p = 0.01, d = − 0.74) on the affected side, compared with baseline. The present preliminary study found that rhythmic resistance exercise with the non-affected hand increased venous flow velocity and volume in the affected upper limb of patients with stroke.

Highlights

Edema or swelling of an affected hand is often observed in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia
There was no significant difference in the venous diameters between the baseline and rhythmic resistance exercise values
In the present pilot study, we examined whether handgrip exercise by the non-affected hand of a stroke patient promotes venous return in the contralateral, affected arm

Summary

Introduction

Edema or swelling of an affected hand is often observed in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The incidence of hand edema varies from 9 to 80%, depending on the study’s definitions and measurements [1–3]. One of the causes of hand edema is obstructed venous return [4]. Post-stroke edema has been attributed to impaired functioning of the venous return and lymphatic system as a result of immobility [5]. Persistent hand edema is associated with pain and fibrotic tissue [6], resulting in an unfavorable effect on hand function. These conditions may even lead to permanent loss of upper limb function.

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Conclusion