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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

Official Title
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Effect of Myofascial Release With Tennis Ball on Spasticity and Upper Limb Motor Functions in Patients With Chronic Stroke

Conditions
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Stroke

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Myofascial release technique along with conventional physiotherapy exercises
* Other: Conventional physiotherapy exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Two-arm parallel pre-test-post-test experimental design.
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Myofascial Release Group<br>Participants were treated with a conventional physiotherapy program along with myofascial release with a tennis ball. | Other: Myofascial release technique along with conventional physiotherapy exercises<br>* Myofascial release technique was performed using a tennis ball along with conventional physiotherapy exercises.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Conventional Physiotherapy Group<br>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. | Other: Conventional physiotherapy exercises<br>* Conventional physiotherapy exercises were performed including the range of motion/flexibility exercises, strength training, postural control, functional exercises, and gait training.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spasticity | Spasticity measured using Modified Ashworth scale - Scores range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores represent spasticity. | 4 weeks. | 
| Upper limb motor functions | 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 | 4 weeks. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Myofascial release, Chronic stroke, Motor functions, Spasticity, modified Ashworth scale, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale