Modified forced used therapy does not change motor function on the non-paretic upper limb

Author(s)

Tamyris Padovani dos Santos

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2015-03-02

Examining board members

João Eduardo de Araujo; Aline de Souza Pagnussat; Octávio Marques Pontes Neto

• Advisor: João Eduardo de Araujo

Abstract

The Forced Used Therapy (FUT) is a technique proposes to reverse learned nonuse and thus lead to brain plasticity after stroke. Because it is a restrictive therapy that forces the use of an upper limb in the detriment of another this therapeutic modality is subjected to criticism. Thus, our work was structured to investigate if there are impairments in not paretic UL and aims intends to analyze the possible benefits produced in paretic UL. The study included 32 subjects who experienced ischemic stroke and who had hemiparesis. Subjects were randomized in two treatment groups for four consecutive weeks: FUT (non-paretic UL immobilization for 24 hours to 4 weeks) and SP (standard physiotherapy twice a week). The evaluation was performed at baseline, 2 weeks after, at end of the protocol and three months follow up. We used the scales: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), dynamometer (handgrip) and surface electromyography (extensor muscles of the wrist). Data from the FUT group were analyzed by one way ANOVA and data the SP by a t-test for paired samples. For comparisons between groups, Student\'s t test was used. Significant values were considered by p 0.05. The analysis of the NIHSS scores revealed no significant differences in intragroup and intergroup comparison. Dynamometry data analysis of intra and inter group in the non-paretic side showed no statistical differences. For the paretic side, FUT data showed an increase in % Kgf relate to the initial to paretic side (F: 2.90) and paretic at the right (F: 2.70). Electromyography data analysis of intra- and intergroup, in the non-paretic side, showed no statistical differences. As for the paretic arm, the data showed an increase in % RMS of FUT compared to the initial for the paretic (F: 2.43) and right paretic (F: 1.67). For WMFT data, there were no differences for the non-paretic side in the FUT group. However, for the SP, we observed a reduction of the execution time of activities in the non-paretic side and paretic at the left (t = 3.26). In relation to the paretic, paretic, paretic to right and left, the FUT group showed changes in all comparisons (F: 10,08), (F: 4.24) and (F: 6.75), respectively. In the SP group, only for comparison in paretic (t = 2.21). Both groups perform better on individual tasks in the non-paretic side. However, the SP group in the left non-paretic side showed a reduction of time in the elbow extended activity in relation to the FUT final (t = 2.45). The FUT group for paretic side compared to the SP group has a less duration of activity for a large number of individual tasks, which does not happen with the SP group. Still, the FUT group has a significant reduction in execution time compared to the SP group in paretic hand for tasks elbow extended with weight (t = 2.45) and turn key in the lock (t = 2.67). Our work shows that the FUT improves motor performance of the paretic hand. Still, it is safe since no observed loss of the non-paretic arm. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08237-0 - Modified Forced Used Therapy does not change motor function on the non-paretic upper limb
• Grantee: Tamyris Padovani dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master