Abstract
Linear polarized near-infrared ray (LPNR) irradiation is used in deep heating modalities. Because of its properties, we consider it could be used to control spasticity after cerebrovascular disease (CVD). However, little study has been reported about its effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LPNR irradiation on spasticity after CVD. The subjects were thirty-nine patients after CVD. They were randomly divided into three groups (each group thirteen persons). The N group was given irradiation of the tibial nerve of popliteal space, G group was given irradiation of the gastrocnemius, and C group was not irradiated. R1 and R2 of the Modified Tardieu Scale of ankle dorsiflexion in knee extension and flexion positions were measured four times at before and after irradiation, after irradiation at fifth day and five days after at the last irradiation. R1 mainly reflects the neural components of spasticity. R2 mainly reflects non-neural components. The immediate effects, cumulative effects and carry over effects were analyzed based on each result. In the N group, R1 of knee extension and flexion positions with immediate effects were significantly different from C group. In G group, R1 of knee flexion position with cumulative effects was significantly different from C group. The R2 of knee extension and flexion positions in N and G groups with immediate effects were significantly different from C group. Furthermore, the R2 of knee extension position in N and G groups with cumulative effects were significantly different from C group. We concluded that LPNR irradiation has immediate effects and cumulative effects of control in spasticity after CVD. However, we found that LPNR irradiation has no carry over effects.
