The effects of Lycra sleeves on acromion-greater tuberosity distance, muscle activity and scapula position in people with post-stroke hemiplegia

Kumar, Praveen; Macleod, Lindsay; Mohan, Priya; Wheeler, Catherine; Wai Tse, Grace

Abstract

Glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) is reported in up to 81% of patients with stroke. Our previous studies found that a Lycra sleeve can reduce acromion-greater tuberosity distance (used for assessment of GHS) in people with chronic stroke (n=5). In a recent study on healthy people (n=31), we report reduction in AGT, change in scapula measurements and change in muscle activity after the application of Lycra sleeve. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lycra sleeves on the acromion-greater tuberosity (AGT) distance, muscle activity around the shoulder region and scapular position in people with stroke.

Abstract Method
People with stroke who gave informed consent were recruited. Measurements were taken before and immediately after application of the sleeve. Portable diagnostic ultrasound, electromyography and a tape measure were used to measure AGT distance, muscle activity (biceps, triceps, deltoid, and supraspinatus) and position of the scapula respectively.

Abstract Results
Six participants with mean age 53±8 years were recruited. Mean±SD and 95% confidence intervals for AGT distances on the affected side before and after the application of sleeve were 2.1±0.3 (1.8-2.5cm) and 2.0±0.4 (1.6-2.4cm) respectively. There was a very slight increase in muscle activity after the application of Lycra sleeve in all muscles tested. Likewise there was reduction in scapula position (posterior tilt) (Mean difference 0.75±0.2cm after the application of sleeve.

Abstract Discussion
Findings from this study are in agreement with the previous research. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of the Lycra sleeve using a well-designed randomised controlled trial.

Citation

Kumar, P., Macleod, L., Mohan, P., Wheeler, C., & Wai Tse, G. (2017). The effects of Lycra sleeves on acromion-greater tuberosity distance, muscle activity and scapula position in people with post-stroke hemiplegia. International Journal of Stroke, 12(5S), 7-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017732216

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 19, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Nov 19, 2017
• Publication Date: Nov 19, 2017
• Deposit Date: Nov 12, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 18, 2018
• Journal: International Journal of Stroke
• Print ISSN: 1747-4930
• Electronic ISSN: 1747-4949
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 5S
• Pages: 7-59
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017732216
• Keywords: glenohumeral subluxation, Lycra sleeve, mechanism, stroke
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/878975
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1747493017732216