摘要
Background: Spasm is one of the most serious physical impairment after stroke. the external-application herbs have showed some effects on the spasm. This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the external-application herbs and physical therapy in upper limb spasticity after stroke. Methods: A total of 100 patients with upper limb spasm after stroke (stroke time less than 1 month), have been recruited in Shun-yi Hospital of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Patients will be randomly allotted to one of two groups (N = 50, respectively): the TCM external application group, and the usual rehab (conventional physical therapy and medication treatment) group. The two groups will be administered once a month for three months. The primary outcome will be Modified Athworth Scale (MAS) and the simplified scale (Fugl-Meyer assessment, FMA) for upper limb. Results: Muscle tension and motor function were evaluated before and 4 weeks after treatments. There was a significant improvement in muscle tension and motor function in patients with stroke after the external-application herbs and physical therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in kinematics in patients with stroke.
