Effects of an inpatient physical rehabilitation program on body temperature distribution and functionality in...

About 60% of patients who had a stroke present sensory deficit, especially sensation of cold in the affected limb. Although unpleasant, this sensation has been little explored. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of body temperature before and after a rehabilitation program and its association with functionality in individuals with stroke sequels.

This experimental study included 18 patients whose thermal images were captured by an infrared sensor for analysis in 8 regions of interest. Volunteers also underwent functionality tests before and after participating in an inpatient rehabilitation program.

One third of the participants perceived temperature difference between limbs, tough mean discomfort was low (<2 on a scale of 1-10). After the program, patients presented better agility (p < 0,001), less movement impairment (p < 0,001), and better balance (p = 0,03). They exhibited slightly lower skin surface temperature in the affected hemisphere, and this persisted after the intervention. Nevertheless, this did not affect functional performance, as there was no difference in functionality among patients with or without the sensation of cold in the affected side.

The inpatient rehabilitation program did not alter the observed superficial temperature difference between body hemispheres but improved physical function of patients.