Acute effect of repeated passive motion exercise on shoulder position sense in patients with hemiplegia: a pilot...

To determine the effect of repeated passive motion (RPM) exercise on position sense of the shoulder joint in patients with hemiplegia.

Shoulder flexion position sense was evaluated for the affected side of 15 patients with hemiplegia, using an assessment board set at five angles (30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees and 150 degrees). First, the affected shoulder was positioned passively, twice at each angle. Then, with the patient blindfolded, a repositioning test was performed twice at each angle, presented in random order. The assessment score was calculated as the proportion of correct responses (PCRs) for repositioning. After the testing, the RPM exercise, consisting of scapular and shoulder motions, was performed in a supine position for 15 min, and the testing was repeated.

After the RPM exercise, there was a significant difference in total PCR for right hemiplegia (p < 0.05) and in total PCR and PCR at 90 degrees for left hemiplegia (p < 0.05). However, the PCR was not significantly different between right and left hemiplegia at any angle. For all of the patients, the total PCR and the PCRs for every angle except 30 degrees and 150 degrees were significantly greater after the RPM exercise (p < 0.05).

The RPM exercise was helpful in improving proprioception in patients with hemiplegia. Further studies are needed to generalize these findings.