Hemiplegia (weakness or paralysis on one side of the body) often impacts the lower extremities, making it challenging for patients to walk or move their legs effectively. This study aims to explore the effects of pressure splints on the lower extremity movement and function in individuals who have experienced a stroke and suffer from hemiplegia. Pressure splints are specialized devices designed to support and enhance muscle function by applying gentle pressure to the affected limbs. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Splint Group (SG) or the Control Group (CG). The duration of the intervention will be six weeks. During this period, all the participants will receive neurodevelopmental therapy. In the SG exercises will be done with the help of the lower extremity pressure splints while participants in the CG will join the exercises without any splint. This study is significant as it may lead to the development of new methods to enhance recovery for stroke patients and offer better rehabilitation options.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
Application of a Johnston pressure splint to the lower extremity.
Rehabilitation program including neurodevelopmental therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques.
Monseigneur Cortbawi Hospital
Jounieh, Keserwan, Lebanon
RECRUITINGLower Extremity Motor Function
The improvement in motor function of the lower extremity will be assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA). The FMA is a stroke-specific, performance-based impairment index. It is designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation and joint functioning in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Scoring is based on direct observation of performance. Scale items are scored on the basis of ability to complete the item using a 3-point ordinal scale where 0=cannot perform, 1=performs partially and 2=performs fully. The total possible scale score is 34.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Balance
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be used to assess balance. This scale objectively determine a patient's ability (or inability) to safely balance during a series of predetermined tasks. It is a 14 item list with each item consisting of a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 the highest level of function and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Lower Extremity Strength
The Five Times Sit to Stand Test will be used for the assessment of lower limb strength along with balance and postural control. Score is the amount of time it takes for an patient to transfer from a seated position to standing position and back to sitting five times.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Mobility
Mobility will be assessed by Timed Up and Go (TUG). TUG is a simple test used to assess a person's mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance. It uses the time that a person takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around 180 degrees, walk back to the chair, and sit down while turning 180 degrees.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Stroke Recovery
The lower extremity recovery will be assessed by Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS). The BRS is the most commonly used staging scale for limb function recovery in post-stroke patients. The BRS assessment scores the clinical severity of hemiplegia from 1 to 6. A score of 1 indicates paralysis and 6 indicates normal force and function
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Ambulation
The patients' ambulation will be assessed using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). FAC evaluates ambulation in 6 categories ranging from 0 to 5. A score of 0 means that the patient is not ambulatory, and 5 indicates normal ambulation.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Independence
Independence will be assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). FIM is one of the most highly recommended tools for assessing functional recovery in stroke patients. This tool is considered reliable and has been proven to possess high validity for measuring the functional outcomes of stroke patients. FIM consists of 18 items related to daily activities, with a total score ranging from 18 to 126. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale, ranging from 1 (completely dependent) to 7 (independent), based on the level of independence. A total score of ≤108 indicates the need for assistance or limitations in activities.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
Muscle Tone
The Muscle Tone of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius will be measured by using Modified Ashworth Scale. Modified Ashworth Scale tool used to measure the increase of muscle tone in stroke patients. The original Ashworth scale was a 5 point numerical scale that graded spasticity from 0 to 4, with 0 being no resistance and 4 being a limb rigid in flexion or extension.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 8 months
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