Anti-Spastic Splint With Focal Muscle Vibration for Stroke Hand Spasticity

Summary

Title: The Effect of Vibrating Splint on Hand Function After Stroke

Summary:

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a vibrating splint in improving hand function and reducing spasticity among individuals who have experienced a stroke. Stroke is a major global health issue, often resulting in long-term disability and impairments in the upper limbs. Spasticity, a common complication of stroke, causes stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities.

Current treatment options for spasticity include medications and physical therapy techniques. However, these approaches may have limitations in terms of effectiveness and duration of benefits. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are being explored to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

The hypothesis of this study is that the use of a vibrating splint, which applies mechanical vibrations to the hand muscles, will decrease spasticity and improve hand functionality in individuals with chronic stroke. The vibrations from the splint stimulate the sensory receptors in the skin and muscles, leading to muscle relaxation and improved motor control.

The study will be conducted as a pilot randomized controlled trial, involving participants who meet specific eligibility criteria. The participants will be divided into three arms, with each arm receiving a different intervention. Outcome measures, including assessments of spasticity, range of motion, pain levels, and functional abilities, will be collected before and after the intervention period.

The findings from this study will contribute to the understanding of non-pharmacological approaches in managing spasticity and improving hand function after stroke. If the vibrating splint proves to be effective, it could offer a safe and accessible option for stroke survivors to enhance their recovery and regain independence in daily activities.

This research is essential as it addresses the need for more effective interventions for spasticity management and hand rehabilitation after stroke. By providing valuable insights into the potential benefits of the vibrating splint, this study has the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals who have experienced a stroke and empower them to regain control over their hand movements.

Conditions

• Spasticity as Sequela of Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

Vibration plus anti-spastic hand splint

vibration stimulation will be applied to the spastic hand antagonistic muscles using a volar anti-spastic hand splint and the Myovolt Arm vibrator.

OTHER

Anti-spastic hand splint

the use of anti-spastic hand splint alone.

OTHER

Vibration

The use of hand vibrator alone

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Arab American University (Palestine)

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Hisham Arab Alkabeya, PhD · Assistant professor

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-01

Primary Completion

2024-11-30

Completion

2024-12-30

Countries

• Palestinian Territories

Study Locations