A study published in Stroke : Journal of the American Heart Association found that thermal stimulation, which alternates heat and cold therapy, helped the recovery of the sensory and motor function of acute stroke survivors.
The thermal therapy session consisted of two alternating cycles of hot/cold, cold/hot and performed five days a week for six weeks. The thermal pack was placed over the patient's hand and wrist. The hot pack was set to 167 degrees Fahrenheit and the cold below 32 degrees.
Of the six criteria used in the study ( changes in sensation, wrist extension, grasping strength, wrist flexion, a six-poinr motor function scale, the modified motor assessment scale), four of the six measures showed a significant greater recovery rates. They showed a trend to greater improvement in grasping strength and wrist extension.
"Several aspects of function were significantly improved with thermal stimulation. Most importantly, the increase in mobility and muscle activity of the upper limb can prevent some complications, such as mild joint dislocation and shoulder pain."
05 August 2008
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