The immediate effects on hemiplegic stroke patients of lying on a cushion made of microbeads

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the effects on muscle tonus and joint range of motion of lying on a cushion made of microbeads, and to compare them with lying on a normal bed. [Subjects and Methods] Nine hemiplegic stroke patients, aged 52 to 84, in the recovery phase. The joint range of motion, muscle tonus, and the muscle hardness of the upper trapezius were measured before and after the subjects lay supine on the microbead cushion and a bed for 20 minutes, and the changes and magnitude of changes were statistically analyzed using the t test, and their differences between the two conditions were compared. [Results] After lying on the microbead cushion, significant differences were observed in the paretic side elbow flexion and the angle of cervical rotation to the left. Muscle tonus and hardness were reduced in many cases. [Conclusion] The results suggest that, for stroke patients, the microbead cushion elicits an increase in joint range of motion and decreases in muscle tonus and hardness.