Kinematic Analysis in Reaching Depending on the Localized Vibration Duration in Persons With Hemiparetic Stroke

Objective : Localized vibration has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery of upper- limb motor function in patients with hemiparetic stroke, but there has been little research on kinematic analysis for qualitative changes in movement. This study investigated kinematic changes in elbow motion during reaching after localized vibration in persons with hemiparetic stroke. Methods : This study used a one-group, cross-over trial design. Ten chronic stroke patients randomly received localized vibrations on the affected biceps brachii for 5, 10, or 20 min, at 70 Hz. Kinematic analysis of reaching was measured using a 3-D motion analysis system. Variables included peak angular velocity, time to peak angular velocity, and movement units during elbow motion. Result : Affected side elbow motion during reaching was faster, smoother, and more efficient after 20 min localized vibration. Peak angular velocity increased (p<0.05), and time to peak angular velocity (p<0.05) and the movement unit were significantly decreased (p<0.05) during elbow motion for reaching. Conclusion : Localized vibration can improve kinematic components during reaching motion in persons with hemiparetic stroke.