Article

Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CPRS I), is a
complex of symptoms characterized by diffuse pain usually with associated
swelling, vasomotor instability, and severe functional impairment of the affected
extremity in stroke patients. Pain is a prominent feature and is often refractory
to variety of treatment. METHODS: To investigate the clinical, functional, and
psychosocial effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise (UEAE) and compare the
effect of aerobic exercise with that of conventional physiotherapy in patients
with CPRS type I following stroke as a randomized controlled assesor blinded 4
week-study. A total of 52 inpatients with stroke [mean age: 65.95 +/- 8.7 (min. =
53, max. = 80) years, and the mean age of the control group was 67.50 +/- 11.2
years], all within 6 months post-stroke and diagnosed with CPRS I. The UEAE
program consisted of an arm crank ergometer (10 W/min), in addition to a
conventional physiotherapy (whirlpool, TENS, retrograd massage). Primary outcome
measures were CPRS clinical determinants (pain, hyperalgesia, allodynia, and
autonomic abnormalities) secondary outcome measures were functional independence
measure (FIM), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Beck Depression Scale scores
that were performed at 0 month (baseline) and 4 weeks (post-treatment). RESULTS:
In UEAE group, patients reported significant pain relief (89.9%) and significant
decline in CRPS signs and symptoms. The mean change in pain at shoulder, pain at
the hand as well as and NHP and BDS scores between groups were statistically
significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UEAE made an excellent improvement in the
symptoms and signs of CRPS I. Combined treatment of conventional physiotherapy
and aerobic exercises may be an excellent synthesis for this syndrome in these
patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS