Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
14:56
The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb
Published on: September 23, 2018
9.0K
Effectiveness of a high-intensity laser for improving hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial
Nadia Mohamed Abdelhakiem1, Marwa Shafiek Mustafa Saleh2,3, Magdy M A Shabana4,5
1Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders and Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Deraya University, Minya, Egypt. dr_nadia_abdelhakiem@yahoo.com.
Scientific Reports
|March 28, 2024
Summary
High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with exercise significantly improved hemiplegic shoulder pain, function, and grip strength more than exercise alone. This finding offers a promising treatment for post-stroke patients experiencing shoulder dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a frequent complication post-stroke, affecting up to 84% of patients.
- High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a recognized treatment for shoulder pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of HILT combined with therapeutic exercise for hemiplegic shoulder pain, function, and handgrip strength.
- To compare the outcomes of HILT plus exercise versus conventional exercise alone.
Main Methods:
- Forty-four hemiplegic patients were randomized into two groups.
- The study group received HILT and therapeutic exercise for three weeks.
- The control group received conventional exercise for HSP for three weeks.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in shoulder pain (MPQ scores), function (UCLA scores), and handgrip strength post-treatment.
- The study group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in UCLA scores, handgrip strength, and MPQ scores compared to the control group.
- The improvements in the study group were highly significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- HILT combined with therapeutic exercise is more effective than exercise alone in managing hemiplegic shoulder pain and dysfunction.
- This combined approach significantly enhances shoulder function and handgrip strength in post-stroke patients.
