Background: Due to the high prevalence of strokes and the severe deficits they may cause, it is pertinent that simple methods are developed to attempt to increase functional mobility. Vibration is a potentially effective treatment to help individuals with strokes regain some muscular activation and cortical excitability. The purpose of this case report is to describe and explore the use of direct vibration on the lower extremity musculature of a patient experiencing hemiplegia post-stroke. Case Description: The patient was a 48-year-old male with a history of hypertension, who experienced left hemiplegia after having a stroke. He was a husband, father, and coach who had goals of returning to an active lifestyle. Intervention: Direct vibration was applied to the tibialis anterior and hamstrings of the patient to attempt to increase their activation and increase cortical excitability. This stimulation was provided once a day for a period of 2 weeks at different frequencies. Outcome Measures: The patient was tested with manual muscle testing, gross range of motion, and light touch sensory testing multiple times throughout the use of the vibration intervention. Assessing spasticity via the Modified Ashworth Scale may have also been beneficial, but did not take place. The patient also had vitals taken and was tested for DVT’s with Homans test to screen for safety of the intervention. Discussion: This case report describes the direct application of vibration on muscles of the lower extremity in a patient with hemiplegia because of a stroke. Vibration combined with other interventions during regular therapy assisted the patient to be able to activate his lower extremity musculature.
Dissertation
Direct Application of Vibration to Stimulate Muscles of a Patient Post-Stroke: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2017
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Direct Application of Vibration to Stimulate Muscles of a Patient Post-Stroke: A Case Report
- Creators
- Megan Fritz - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey Law (Advisor)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2017
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 10 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2017 Megan Fritz
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984109918202771
Metrics
1636 File views/ downloads
205 Record Views