Effects of Different Upper Extremity Fixing Approaches on Elbow Flexor Activities and Balance for Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the affected elbow flexor activities and balance of stroke patients in standing and walking as fixing the affected upper extremity with different methods. Methods:From September to December, 2018, 14 stroke patients from Affiliated Suzhou Science ＆ Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were included. They were measured elbow flexor contraction ratio (integrated electromyogram of flexor/integrated electromyogram of antagonist) with wireless surface electromyography as standing and walking in normal speed, and sway index with Biodex as standing, in four conditions the affected arm without fixing, and fixed with elbow orthosis, and with unaffected hand backwards and forwards. Results:The contraction ratio was the most as the arm fixed with elbow orthosis in both standing and walking (F > 2.687, P < 0.05). The sway index was the most as the arm fixed with unaffected hand forwards (F = 21.091, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The elbow orthosis restraint may lead to increased contraction of the affected elbow flexor, which is unsatisfactory to inhibit flexor activity of the upper extremities; while restraint of unaffected hand forwards may lead to instable balance.