This study will be conducted to determine the impact of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy versus Task-Oriented Training on upper extremity function post-Botox injection in stroke patients.
Arm and hand movement problems are significant contributors to disability in stroke patients, with only 5% regaining full arm function and 20% regaining no functional use. Alternative strategies are needed to reduce long-term disability and upper limb impairment in hemiparesis patients. Previous studies have used various treatment methods, including botulinum toxin, but the degree of motor improvement depends on task complexity. Future research should focus on adjunct therapy, such as task-specific training and constrained induced therapy, in addition to botulinum toxin treatments, to facilitate functional improvement in spastic upper extremity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
51
* Scapular and thoracic mobilization, active assisted and passive exercises, and positioning such as weight bearing on the affected upper limb. * Strengthening of the shoulder flexors and elbow and wrist extensors. * Stretching exercises of the spastic muscles (shoulder extensors, elbow and wrist flexors.)
The injection of 1000 units per upper extremity will be done into the biceps brachii muscle at 2 sites, and 150 units into the flexor carpi radialis muscle at 1 site per muscle, using anatomical landmarks similar to routine electromyography.
The training involves 30 minutes of bilateral functional tasks like carrying a block, grabbing and folding a towel, staking cups upright, holding a glass and drinking water, throwing a ball into a basket, and moving pegs.
outpatient clinics of Mansoura university hospital
Al Mansurah, Egypt
assessment of change of arm motor impairment
The Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scale, validated and reliable, correlates well with upper extremity coordination. It includes four motor sub-items relevant to the affected upper limb: shoulder/elbow/forearm, wrist, hand, and speed/coordination. The test is conducted pre- and post-treatment, requiring volitional movement mixing synergies. The total Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scale takes 30-35 minutes, and items are scored using a 3-point ordinal scale. The patient's performance ranges from 0 to 2 on the scale.
Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks
Evaluation of degree of spasticity
The Modified Ashworth Scale is a 6-point scale used to measure spasticity in the affected upper limb. The score ranges from 0 to 4, with lower scores indicating normal muscle tone and higher scores indicating spasticity or increased resistance to passive movement. Muscle tone assessment is done in a comfortable, quiet room, with no nociceptive or exteroceptive stimuli. The patient is instructed to empty their bladder and release tight clothes before the assessment.
Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks
assessment of change of handgrip strength
Maximal voluntary grip forces (MVGF) will be assessed using grip dynamometer. Subjects are seated in a wheelchair. The shoulder is placed at approximately 30 degrees of abduction and 0 degrees of flexion. The elbow is flexed at 90 degrees with the wrist in neutral position. Maximal voluntary grip forces are established as the highest values recorded during three maximal voluntary exertions separated by 2-minute rest intervals. The mean value for each hand was used for analysis
Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks
assessment of change of shoulder and elbow movement
Kinovea software is a reliable method for measuring shoulder joint position sense, suitable for medical, rehabilitation, and sports environments. It accurately measures shoulder joint position up to 5 meters from an object and 90°-45° angle. Kinovea software also performs motion analysis, capturing shoulder flexion, abduction, elbow flexion, and extension movements. Cross marks are drawn on anatomical landmarks on the dominant upper limb.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The therapy session focuses on enhancing the affected arm's functional tasks, such as throwing a ball, holding a glass, combing hair, turning on and off a light switch, grasping and releasing blocks, pouring from glass to another, moving cups, and moving pegs. Participants are instructed to wear a restrictive mitt on their non-paretic hand for 6 hours a day for 4 days, 7 weeks, and 12 weeks, with the mitt removed for safety, hygiene, or agreed-on activities.
Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks
assessment of change of upper limb function
The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a tool used to evaluate limb function in individuals with hemiplegia due to cortical damage. It measures a client's ability to handle objects of different sizes, weights, and shapes. The ARAT scores range from 0 to 57, with higher scores indicating better performance. The test is conducted pre- and post-treatment and consists of four subscales: grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement. If a client fails on the most difficult task, the easiest task is performed, and the entire subscale is scored as zero.
Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks