This study investigated the short-term effect of both harmonic techniques and supporting cushions on muscle tone, range of motion, pain and daily care activities in 22 patients with moderate to severe paratonia. The study consisted of two parts, each part was conducted during one week. In the first part of the study the short-term effect of supporting cushions was examined; in the second part of the study the additional short-term effect of harmonic techniques was investigated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
Cushions were placed in a way that the head and four limbs were well supported, without leaving empty space between body and cushions or mattress.
Harmonic techniques (HT) is a group of manual techniques described by Lederman (2000).The goal of this techniques in this study was to reduce the muscle tone and additionally/subsequently increase the ROM.
Vakgroep Revaki - Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium
Change in muscle tone of biceps brachii and rectus femoris
Change in MyotonPRO measurement of intrinsic muscle tone of left and right biceps brachii and left and right rectus femoris
Time frame: On each measurement moment (3 or 4 times a day, 3 different days, 2 weeks for each participant)
Change in maximal extension of elbow and knee
Change in goniometric measurement of maximal elbow and knee extension
Time frame: On each measurement moment (3 or 4 times a day, 3 different days, 2 weeks for each participant)
Change in pain
Change in PACSLAC-D score (PACSLAC-D is a Dutch adaptation of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate): observation scale of pain during morning care. Scores range from 0 to 24, indicating the presence of various pain expressions. Higher scores indicate more pain.
Time frame: On each measurement moment (3 or 4 times a day, 3 different days, 2 weeks for each participant)
Comparison of pain during morning care
Comparison of PACSLAC-D scores during control week and harmonics week.PACSLAC-D is a Dutch adaptation of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate: observation scale of pain during morning care. Scores range from 0 to 24, indicating the presence of various pain expressions. Higher scores indicate more pain.
Time frame: rated after morning care, daily during 2 weeks for each participant (control week and intervention week)
Comparison of comfort during morning care
Comparison of score on comfort questionnaire 4 questions regarding comfort of morning care (both for caregiver as estimated for patient) between control week and harmonics week, as rated with a visual analogue scale (0-10, interpretation dependent on the question)
Time frame: rated after morning care, daily during 2 weeks for each participant (control week and intervention week)
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