Article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US) on the
spasticity occurring in the ankle plantar flexor muscles after a cerebrovascular
event. According to the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the hemiplegic patients
with stage 2-3 spasticity on the ankle plantar flexor muscles were enrolled in
the study and divided into two groups. Passive stretching exercise was applied to
both groups. Additionally, 10-minute US was applied to one of the groups, using
the mode of continuous wave of 1.5w/cm^{2} to the calf muscles
before stretching. In order to monitor the efficacy of the treatment in the
patients, MAS, Hmax/Mmax ratio, the ankle range of motion (ROM), Functional
Independence Measure and Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage were evaluated.
While a
significant recovery was monitored in the MAS and ankle ROM measurements after
treatment in both groups, no change was obtained in the other parameters. No
significant difference was detected in any of the measurements between the
groups. In this study, US treatment applied in combination with the ankle plantar
flexor muscles passive stretching exercise was determined to have no effect on
the stretching treatment in minimizing the spasticity.

Langue : ANGLAIS