Impact of Physiotherapy on Spasticity, Upper Limb Function, Daily Activities, and Kinesiophobia in Hemiplegic Patients

The Effect of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Program on Spasticity Level, Upper Extremity Functions, Activities of Daily Living, and Kinesiophobia in Hemiplegic Patients

This study investigated the effects of rehabilitation exercises on spasticity levels, upper extremity functions, activities of daily living, and kinesiophobia in patients with hemiplegia following a stroke.

Hemiplegia is a neurological condition characterized by paresis and movement limitations on one side of the body due to functional loss in one hemisphere of the brain caused by a vascular event after a stroke. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program on spasticity levels, upper extremity functions, activities of daily living, and kinesiophobia in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

Participants' spasticity levels were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, upper extremity functions with the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment, activities of daily living with the Barthel Index, and kinesiophobia levels with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The treatment program consisted of 24 sessions, with three sessions per week. Each session lasted 45 minutes and included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), range of motion exercises for upper and lower extremities, balance and coordination exercises, and weight transfer exercises. Assessments were conducted before and after the treatment.

As a result of the treatment program, a significant decrease in spasticity levels was observed in joints other than the hip joint, along with significant improvements in upper extremity functions and activities of daily living, and a significant reduction in kinesiophobia levels.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs have been found to be effective in reducing spasticity, improving upper extremity functions and activities of daily living, and reducing kinesiophobia in post-stroke hemiplegic patients. These findings can contribute to the development of post-stroke rehabilitation strategies. Future research should deepen these findings with larger sample groups and long-term follow-up studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 22-79 years of age
• Having been diagnosed with a stroke (SVO)
• Possessing adequate language and cognitive skills
• Willingness to participate voluntarily
• Not having any chronic diseases that could affect the study outcomes

Exclusion Criteria:

• No other neurological problems affecting functionality besides hemiplegia
• Having cognitive impairment