Efeitos imediatos da mobilização passiva realizada por equipamento de cinesioterapia passiva na espasticidade e na biomecânica da marcha de pacientes hemiparéticos: ensaio clínico

Abstract

Introduction: Encephalic injuries are damages to brain structures, with clinical manifestations involving changes in posture, balance, muscle tone, and hemiparesis, impacting gait and increasing the risk of falls. Passive mobilization is a therapeutic approach that targets joint range of motion and the properties of muscular and connective tissues. Objective: Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of passive mobilization performed with a passive kinesitherapy device on spasticity and the biomechanical parameters of gait in hemiparetic patients. Methodology: This is a clinical trial involving 16 patients. To assess spasticity, gait self-perception, and discomfort, the Modified Ashworth Scale, a 5-point Likert scale, and the Visual Analog Scale were used, respectively. Biomechanical gait evaluation was performed using an Inertial Measurement Device with an Accelerometer and Gyroscope, while functional assessment was conducted through the TUG test. The intervention protocol involved the use of a passive kinesiotherapy device for 30 minutes. The dependent t-test and Wilcoxon test were employed (p≤0.05). Results: The intervention did not impact spasticity but improved overall gait functionality, with a significant difference in speed (p=0.006) and step length of both the affected (p=0.011) and unaffected (p=0.017) sides. Participants reported improved movement perception and an absence of discomfort. Conclusion: Although there was no direct impact on spasticity, the results indicate that passive mobilization performed using a passive kinesitherapy device influences gait parameters in hemiparetic patients. This finding contributes to the development of a new perspective on automated passive mobilization in neurological rehabilitation. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]