The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy at patients with spasticity related to cerebrovascular accident

Abstract

Introduction: This research aims to show the reduction of muscular tonus by using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in order to recover normal movements. Methods: 10 patients over 50 and under 80 years of age presenting stroke with spasticity participated in this pilot study, which used three methods: 1) the Ashworth scale, 2) the digital goniometer and 3) the displacement of muscle belly, before and after the shock waves. To check the displacement of muscle belly, a current pulse was applied, measured by LTM 165 class 2 Laser. This approach is similar and consists of measuring the displacement on a laser sensor basis. The Ortho-lithotripsy equipment used was a Direx Integra. The dose/intensity was 1000 cps – 0.030 mJ/mm². Results: We also observed a better quality of muscle contraction (Scale Ashworth p=0.05). At digital goniometry, the shoulder abduction developed 35° in 7 of the patients and 15° in 3 of them (p<0.05). Conclusion: The muscles do not become hypotonic with the shock waves treatment, (they present an adequate tonus). The patients who presented micro-shortening and did not undergo to regular physiotherapy showed a minor improvement (15° goniometry).Keywords: stroke, spasticity, lithotripsy.