Article

PURPOSE: The purpose of this trial was to investigate changes in pain, the range
of motion (ROM) and spasticity in people with painful hemiplegic shoulder (PHS)
after the application of an upper limb neuromuscular taping (NMT). METHODS: We
conducted a randomised clinical trial. The study included 32 people, 31% female
(mean +/- SD age: 66 +/- 9 years), with PHS after stroke with pain at rest and
during functional movements. The experimental group received the application of
NMT and a standard physical therapy programme (SPTP), whereas the control group
received SPTP. The groups received four 45-minute long sessions over four weeks.
The VAS, ROM and spasticity were assessed before and after the intervention with
follow-up at four weeks. RESULTS: The experimental group had a greater reduction
in pain compared to the control group at the end of the intervention, as well as
at one month after the intervention (p < 0.001; all the group differences were
greater than 4.5 cm, which is greater than the minimal clinically important
difference of 2.0 cm). The experimental group had a significantly higher (i.e.
better) ROM, by 30.0 degrees , than the control group in shoulder flexion (95%
CI: 37.3-22.7) at 4 weeks and by 24.8 degrees (95% CI: 32.1-17.6) at 8 weeks as
well as in abduction by 30.6 degrees (95% CI: 37.5-23.7) at 4 weeks and 25.1
degrees (95% CI: 33.8-16.3) at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that
NMT decreases pain and increases the ROM in subjects with shoulder pain after a
stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Painful hemiplegic shoulder is a frequent
complication after stroke with negative impacts on functional activities and on
quality of life of people, moreover restricts rehabilitation intervention.
Neuromuscular taping is a technique introduced by David Blow for the treatment of
neuromuscoloskeletal problems. This study shows the reduction of pain and the
improvement of range of motion after the application of an upper limb
neuromuscular taping. Rehabilitation professionals who are involved in the
management of painful hemiplegic shoulder may like to consider the benefits that
neuromuscular taping can produce on upper limb.

Langue : ANGLAIS