To investigate the biomechanical and physiological effects of Lycra sleeve on the upper limb in healthy adults

Kumar, Praveen; Stokes, Adam; Barber, Kieran; Hockey, Harriet; Harris, Ben; Ho, Jeffrey; Brooks, Michael

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of a Lycra arm sleeve in people with stroke (PwS), however, the mechanism of these effects is unclear. The aim was to investigate the effects of a Lycra arm sleeve on pressure, temperature, range of movement, and muscle activity using a prototype measurement system on the upper limb (UL) in healthy adults prior to testing on PwS.
Method
This was a cross-sectional crossover study. Data was collected on Grip Strength (GripAble), muscle activity in shoulder muscles (Electromyography- EMG), proprioception (during UL reaching task), temperature sense (BOJACK TMP36 3 Pin Temperature Sensor) and pressure (a custom-built cuff with two pneumatic pouches and sensors) with and without a lycra sleeve.
Results
Sixteen healthy individuals (M=7, F=9) with a mean age of 25±7 years were recruited. Without sleeve, the mean EMG activity, temperature, grip strength, and joint position sense were 1.155 volts (±0.058), 32.5°C (±5.9), 20.8kg (±9.6) and 58.1mm (±31.5). Corresponding values with ‘sleeve on’ were 1.213V (±0.178), 34°C (±5.3), 21.1kg (±9) and 50.8mm (±29) respectively.
Conclusion
Changes were recorded with ‘sleeve on’ in the majority of biomechanical and physiological parameters tested in young healthy people. The prototype needs refinement and testing in PwS in future studies.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: UK Stroke Forum
• Start Date: Dec 4, 2023
• End Date: Dec 6, 2023
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2024
• Keywords: Stroke, Lycra Arm sleeve, Biomechanical, physiological, proprioception, Temperature
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11676448