Assessment of the effect of high-tone power therapy in rehabilitation of stroke patients

Zbigniew Śliwiński, Piotr Płaza, Krzysztof Gieremek, Wojciech Kufel, Beata Michalak, Bartłomiej Halat, Grzegorz Śliwiński, Magdalena Wilk

Zbigniew Śliwiński, Piotr Płaza, Krzysztof Gieremek, Wojciech Kufel, Beata Michalak, Bartłomiej Halat, Grzegorz Śliwiński, Magdalena Wilk – Assessment of the effect of high-tone power therapy in rehabilitation of stroke patients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(2); 197-205

Abstract
Background. High-tone power therapy is a new method of nerve and muscle stimulation with electric current of a frequency corresponding to the acoustic band of electric oscillation between 4 400 Hz to 12 300 Hz. The usa of two pairs of electrodes serves to generate a dynamic electric field deep inside the tissues. The aim of the study was to assess upper limb function in hemiparetic stroke patients who undrwent high-tone power therapy in the course of rehabilitation. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 16 men aged 46-72 years (mean 54) and 4 women aged 67-74 years (mean 71) who had suffered strokes of various aetiologies. Arm function was determined on the basis of grip strength testing, ranges of motion (ISOM) and spasticity level (Ashworth scale). Results. Grip strength increased with simultaneous improvement in angular ranges of motion in the radiocarpal joint of the paretic limb. Spastic tone in the limb decreased by 0.35 on the Ashworth scale. Analysis of linear measurements revealed statistically significant changes of circumferences only at the upper arm level. Conclusions. Comprehensive physiotherapy including horizontal therapy performed in stroke patients produced significant functional improvements in the paretic upper limb. High-tone power therapy is well tolerated by hemiparetic patients with despite the long duration of the procedure.
Key words:
Ashworth test, high-tone power therapy, hoSti-Scan stimulation, secondary effect
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