Kinematic improvement after the external-application herbs combine rehabilitation in upper-limb spasticity due to stroke

Background: Spasm is one of the most serious physical impairment after stroke. The external-application of herbs has showed the curative effects on the spasm to some degree. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of external-application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on both conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy in upper limb spasticity after stroke. Methods: A total of 100 patients with upper limb spasm after stroke (stroke occurred less than 1 month), have been recruited in Shunyi Hospital of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Patients were randomly allotted to two groups respectively (n = 50, respectively): the control group (conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy), and the treatment group (external-application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy). The two groups were administered once a month for three months. The primary outcome were Modified Ashworth score and Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper limb. Results: Muscle tension and motor function were evaluated before and 4 weeks after treatments. There was a significant improvement in muscle tension and motor function in patients with stroke after the therapy of external-application herbs combined with conventional medicine therapy and rehabilitation therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients’ kinematic function can be improved after the external-application of herbs and modern rehabilitation therapy in upper limb.