The Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on the Upper Extremity in Patients With Chronic Stroke

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Upper Extremity Spasticity and Motor Function in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

There is still no approved exact treatment for stroke, one of the leading causes of disability. Neurorehabilitation is an important treatment option for stroke patients with anatomical and functional impairments in their interhemispheric connections. However, special techniques with high effectiveness are being investigated to increase the success of general rehabilitation. In this context, scapula-focused stabilization techniques have been used in stroke patients recently. In this randomized controlled study, investigators aimed to examine the effect of scapular stabilization exercises on upper extremity spasticity and motor function in addition to neurorehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. 22 chronic stroke patients will be included in the study. The patients will be divided into two groups as scapular exercise group and control group using the simple randomization method. Scapular stabilization exercises will be applied in combination with neurorehabilitation to the first group, while only neurorehabilitation will be applied to the control group. A 6-week (30 sessions) neurorehabilitation program will be applied to all groups, specially planned for the patient. Spasticity of the patients participating in the study Modified Ashworth Scale, upper extremity recovery levels Brunnstrom Recovery Stage, upper extremity functions Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Scale and Wolf Motor Function Test, independence levels Functional Independence Scale , activities of daily living will be evaluated with the Modified Barthel Index and quality of life will be evaluated with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. The first evaluation of the patients will be made before the treatment, and each patient will be evaluated after the 6-week exercise program. After all data are collected, in-group and intergroup comparisons will be made.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18
• 3 months past the stroke history
• No previous history of stroke
• Mini mental test score ≥ 24
• Upper extremity (elbow, wrist and finger) spasticity level to be 1-3 according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
• Upper extremity Brunnstrom recovery stage 2-5
• No botulinum toxin injection for the affected upper extremity in the last 6 months
• If he is using antispastic medication, his dose has not been changed in the last 1 month.
• Consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having any neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic, unstable cardiovascular disease other than stroke
• being pregnant
• Having upper extremity contractures