Study design and subjects
spasticity, stroke, brain injury, pain, psychosis, neurological diseases, hemiplegic
NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE, STROKE, BRAIN TUMOR, CHRONIC DISEASES, DYSFUNCTION, DISEASES
This study was conducted at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University from 01 April 2021 to 28 February 2022. 24 patients were randomly assigned to two groups (Conventional group and Bilateral group) in a 1:1 ratio using a simple randomization procedure. The protocol was approved by the Committee of Institutional Ethics (No:2021ZDSYLL091-P01) and registered in the China Clinical Trial Registration Center (ChiCTR2100049484). All patients signed the informed consent.The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) diagnosis of stroke was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (ii) aged 18–80 years old, clear consciousness, able to complete the corresponding assessment (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 20 points); (iii) first onset, course of 2 weeks to 3 months; (iv) the modified Ashworth spasticity assessment of the upper limb major muscle tension was less than or equal to grade 2; (v) Brunnstrom assessment of hemiplegic upper limb was in stage II–IV; (vi) stable clinical condition and good control of chronic diseases; (vii) the treatment methods of this study were understood and cooperated. The criteria for exclusion were (i) previous history of brain injury, brain tumor or other neurological diseases; (ii) pain or dysfunction of both upper limbs caused by other reasons; (iii) patients with severe diseases including the cardiovascular system, cerebrovascular system, digestive system, endocrine system, and psychosis; (iv) lesions in cerebellum or brainstem.