Effect of Myofascial Release With Tennis Ball on Spasticity and Motor Functions

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Stroke
• Interventions: Other: Myofascial release technique along with conventional physiotherapy exercises; Other: Conventional physiotherapy exercises

• Registration Number: NCT05242679
• Lead Sponsor: King Saud University

Brief Summary

Impaired motor function and upper extremity spasticity are common concerns in patients after stroke. It is essential to plan therapeutic techniques to recover from the stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of myofascial release with the tennis ball on spasticity and motor functions of the upper extremity in patients with chronic stroke.

Detailed Description

Myofascial release is a therapeutic technique that aims to improve flexibility and sliding between layers of soft tissues, reduce the severity of muscle activity pain, and improve functional performance. A previous study included myofascial release with a tennis ball in the lower extremity in patients with chronic stroke and reported improved balance. Different other unique therapeutic interventions have been proposed over the past two decades for stroke management; however, myofascial release with a tennis ball has not been included in them. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effects of myofascial release with a tennis ball on spasticity and motor functions of the upper limb in patients with chronic stroke.

Participants were equally divided into two groups viz. experimental and control, with 11 participants in each group.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2016-11-21
• Primary Completion: 2017-08-08
• Study Completion: 2017-10-23
• Status Verified: 2022-02
• Study First Submitted: 2022-02-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-02-06
• Study First Posted: 2022-02-16
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-02-16
• Last Update Posted: 2022-03-04

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 22

Inclusion Criteria

• Unilateral stroke,
• Hemiplegia with upper extremity dysfunctions of more than 6 months and less than 2 years of duration
• modified Ashworth scale of grade 1-3,
• Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) >24 suggesting intact cognition,
• full passive range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand joints
• voluntary control by Brunnstrom of grade 3-5 for shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints

Exclusion Criteria

• circulatory problems such as deep vein thrombosis,
• impaired sensation over the affected upper limb,
• recently injured area/open wounds,
• arthritic or any other musculoskeletal condition of the upper extremity, shoulder instability based on the posterior or anterior apprehension test, and positive sulcus test,
• history of brain surgery after stroke,
• Botox injection in the past four months,
• medically unstable patients,
• patients who have had multiple strokes.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Myofascial Release Group	Myofascial release technique along with conventional physiotherapy exercises	Participants were treated with a conventional physiotherapy program along with myofascial release with a tennis ball.
Conventional Physiotherapy Group	Conventional physiotherapy exercises	A conventional physiotherapy program was provided including range of motion/flexibility exercises, strength training, postural control, functional mobility exercises, lower limb functional exercises, and gait training.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Spasticity	4 weeks.	Spasticity measured using Modified Ashworth scale - Scores range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores represent spasticity.
Upper limb motor functions	4 weeks.	Upper limb motor functions measured using Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale - Scores range from 0-66, where lower score represent poor performance of upper extremity and higher scores represents good performance of upper extremity

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

King Saud University; 🇸🇦 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia