Effectiveness of lycra sleeve for the management of glenohumeral subluxation in people with stroke – A feasibility study

Kumar, Praveen; Gibson, Rebecca; Greet, Jennifer; Mills, McKenna; Rossall, Faye; Whales, Rhiannon

Abstract

Introduction: Glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) is reported to occur in 81% of patients post stroke. The aims of the study were to assess the effectiveness of Lycra sleeves on GHS and explore patients’ perceptions regarding the practicality of applying the Lycra sleeve.

Method: Patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia (n=5, 51±8 years), provided consent, and were recruited from the community. Primary outcome (GHS) was assessed by ultrasound method (acromion-greater tuberosity distance measured in cm), secondary outcomes (pain, upper limb function) were assessed by the numerical rating scale and the Modified motor assessment (MMAS) scale respectively and a questionnaire was completed to gather patients’ perceptions. Outcomes measured as follows: pre-application of sleeve, immediately after application on day 1 and day 8. Patients were instructed to wear the Lycra sleeve for 7 consecutive days, 7 hours a day and record any observations.

Results: GHS reduced immediately after wearing the Lycra sleeve on both day 1 and day 8 with the mean AGT distance showing a reduction of 0.21 cm and 0.28 cm respectively. The mean time the Lycra sleeve was worn each day was 6.7 hours. Three patients experienced decreased pain, 1 patient showed improvement in MMAS score, three patients found the sleeve easy to wear and 4 patients found the sleeve beneficial.

Conclusion: Reduction in mean AGT distance suggests Lycra sleeves may be beneficial in the management of GHS. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness in acute and chronic settings using a well-designed randomised controlled trial.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: UK Stroke Forum Conference
• Start Date: Dec 1, 2015
• End Date: Dec 3, 2015
• Acceptance Date: Aug 4, 2015
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 6, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: stroke, shoulder subluxation, lycra sleeve
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/842828
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : UK Stroke Forum Conference