The Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Upper Limb Motor Function, Strength, and Activity of Daily Living in Hemiparesis Post-stroke Patients

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is often known as a stroke and can be described as a localized neurological deficiency caused by various cardiovascular abnormalities that disrupt brain function. Stroke is the primary cause of death worldwide, it also leads to a substantial number of disability among the population.

There is no doubt that stroke is one of the most common causes of adult-onset disabilities. 70-85% of the first strokes are associated with hemiplegia which is usually followed by hemiparesis. Only 60% of patients suffering from hemiparesis need physical rehabilitation and have attained functional independence in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as using the restroom and short-distance walking. Patients with sensorimotor and visual-field loss are much more dependent on care than those with pure motor impairments.

Stroke patients require post-stroke rehabilitation and physical therapy procedures to improve their recovery and quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach that addresses each patient's unique physical, occupational, and speech deficits can assist optimize their functional abilities and encourage independence.

Hemiplegic stroke rehabilitation involves structured, interdisciplinary, supportive services that start 48 hours after the stroke starts for stable patients. Although patients and families generally benefit from inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, each treatment modality's efficacy falls short of standards set by evidence-based therapy (reference). Rehabilitation has always been around teaching patients how to compensate with their unaffected arm or limb. The major goals of physical, occupational, and speech therapists are to modify the surroundings and develop new skills in order to keep patients at home with the least amount of care assistance. The removal of architectural impediments to movement, problem-solving techniques, supporting social and psychological services, braces and other orthotics, and equipment like wheelchairs and walkers all continue to be crucial in assisting patients in doing daily life tasks (Dobkin, 2004).

The goal of physical therapy rehabilitation modalities post-stroke is to enhance activities of daily living, enhance range of motion, reduce pain, and improving muscle tone. Previous studies on BFRT have focused on healthy populations, limited number of observational trials have been performed on BFRT in patients with neurological problems, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke.