Effect of Bilateral Repetitive Protraction in Antispastic Position Of Suspended Upper Extremity on Motor Performance and Scapular Position in Stroke

Purpose: To find out the effect of bilateral repetitive protraction of suspended upper extremity in anti-spastic position with conventional therapy in patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. Methodology: A total of 36 subjects of hemiplegia due to stroke (post stroke duration more than 3 months) were recruited and distributed in two groups. Group 1 received bilateral repetitive scapular protraction in anti-spastic position of suspended upper extremity along with scapular mobilization in addition to conventional therapeutic exercises. Group 2 received Conventional therapeutic exercises consisted of task specific activity such as bilateral activity on pegboard, ball throwing activity and reaching activities, bilateral active range of motion exercises and weight bearing exercises for upper extremity. Outcome Measures: Universal Goniometer measurements and Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale were taken prior to the beginning of treatment and after the completion of 4 weeks treatment protocol. Results: Overall results of the study showed significant improvement in active range of motion of the affected upper extremity for shoulder and elbow except wrist in experimental group only. Scapular spine distance improved in both the groups but more significantly in the experimental group. Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity showed more significant improvement in experimental group post 4 week of intervention. Conclusion: Bilateral repetitive protraction in anti-spastic position of suspended upper extremity along with conventional therapeutic exercises for 4 weeks is more effective in improving scapular position and upper extremity motor performance as compared to conventional therapeutic exercise alone.