Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Abstract

Objectives of the Study: • To evaluate the efficacy of cryostretches on plantar flexors spasticity in the subjects with stroke. • To evaluate the efficacy of hold-relax on plantar flexors spasticity in the subjects with stroke. • To compare the efficacy of cryostretches and hold-relax on plantar flexors spasticity in the subjects with stroke.

Methodology: 30 hemiplegic patients were divided into two groups, Group-1 received cryostretches (n=15). It contains 20 min of cooling, followed by 5-6 repetitions of 65 sec stretches are applied with a 20 sec rest between the stretches with three 5 sec isometric contractions interspersed through out the stretch, and Group II with hold- relax (n=15), in this the plantar flexors was made to contract isometrically for 6-8 sec, followed by immediate relaxation during which the muscle was taken into new lengthened position (dorsiflexion) which was held for 10 sec; it was repeated 5-6 times with a rest period of 20 sec between each stretch, for a period of 6 days in a week for 6 weeks.

Statistical Analysis: Paired T- test and Unpaired T-test has been carried out to observe the treatment impact with in the groups and between the groups before and after the treatment.

Results: After a 6 week treatment period, the subjects in the Group I (cryostretches) compared with the subjects in the Group II (Hold-relax) had shown a statistically significant improvement with the out come measures at 0.05 level.

Conclusion: Cryostretches was found much effective in reducing spasticity which helps to enhance and upgrade functional outcome of the patients.

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