ABSTRACT

Objective : This study aimed at determining whether the application of vibration stimulation over the flexor digitorum superficialis can be helpful in improving the hand dexterity and reducing the onset and end times of the muscle contraction. Methods : We used a single-subject experimental A-B-A design. The experimental sessions were divided into three phases: baseline, intervention, and withdrawal, with eight sessions in each phase. In the intervention phase, the vibration stimulation was applied over the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of the affected side. Measurements included a box and block test (BBT), and the onset and end times of the muscle while gripping and releasing a cup. Results : During the intervention phase, the BBT score was clinically and significantly increased when compared to the baseline (p<.05), and this improvement was maintained during the withdrawal phase with no intervention. Further, there were significant decreases for the delay in the onset and end times of the flexor digitorum superficialis (p<.05), and these trends were favorably maintained during the withdrawal phase. Conclusion : Our findings suggest that vibration stimulation may be helpful in enhancing the dexterity of the affected hand post stroke, and optimizing the activation patterns of flexor muscles of the wrist and hand while grasping and releasing objects.