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Treating sensory impairments in the post-stroke upper limb with intermittent pneumatic compression. Results of a preliminary trial [with consumer summary]
Cambier DC, de Corte E, Danneels LA, Witvrouw EE
Clinical Rehabilitation 2003 Feb;17(1):14-20
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in treating sensory impairments in the hemiplegic upper limb in stroke patients. DESIGN: Twenty-three stroke patients were enrolled in a randomized, controlled preliminary trial that compared the application of intermittent pneumatic compression with a passive treatment strategy. SETTING: Four Belgian day centres for treatment of neurological disabilities. Four acute and rehabilitation care wards specialized in neurological treatment. SUBJECTS: Twenty-three stroke patients. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group (n = 11) received standard physiotherapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression treatment (10 cycles of 3 minutes with a peak of 40 mmHg) for their hemiplegic upper limb. The control group (n = 12) received supplementary to their conventional physiotherapy a placebo treatment, namely sham short-wave therapy on the hemiplegic shoulder for 30 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensory impairments were clinically assessed at three occasions over a period of four weeks using the Nottingham Sensory Assessment scale. RESULTS: Both groups improved in somatosensation over time, but the experimental group improved more than the control group (p = 0.036) or 81.1% improvement versus 30.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intermittent pneumatic compression in the rehabilitation of stroke patients may be of clinical importance for the restoration of sensory function.

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