Impact of Short Term Focal Vibration Intervention On Upper Extremities In Chronic Stroke

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the feasibility of a novel wearable focal vibration device in patients with stroke. <h3>Design</h3> Pre-post intervention trial. <h3>Setting</h3> College of Allied Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. <h3>Participants</h3> Convenience sample of five chronic stroke participants. <h3>Interventions</h3> Focal vibration for 10 minutes at the biceps, triceps, wrist flexors and proximal and distal wrist extensors. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Fugl-Meyer upper extremity (FMA-UE), Chedoke Arm-Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI-7), grip strength, and qualitative survey. <h3>Results</h3> FMA-UE scores either increased or remained constant with a mean increase of 0.67. CAHAI-7 scores increased by a mean of 3.33. Grip strength decreased by an insignificant amount. Participants noted the device was comfortable and led to more normal tone in the upper extremity. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Based on initial results, short-term focal vibration intervention demonstrates promise for lowering spasticity and increasing function. Grip strength may have decreased due to lower levels of abnormal tone. Future studies will include a measure of spasticity since this device appears to assist with tone. Long-term home use of the device where the patient receives focal vibration a few days a week for several weeks may assist with tone, pain, and function. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have no disclosures.