The effects of lycra arm sleeve on glenohumeral subluxation in poststroke hemiplegia - A preliminary study

© 2018 by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. Introduction The primary aim of this preliminary prospective cross-sectional study was to assess the effects of Lycra arm sleeves on the glenohumeral subluxation (acromiongreater tuberosity distance) in people with poststroke hemiplegia. A secondary aim was to explore patients' perceptions regarding the practicality of applying the Lycra arm sleeve. The setting was community care in South West England. Participants were patients with chronic stroke (n = 5; 2 men, 3 women; mean ± SD age, 51 ± 8 years) with one-sided weakness. Materials and Methods Patients were instructed to wear the Lycra arm sleeve for 7 hrs a day for 7 consecutive days. Ultrasound measurements of acromion greater tuberosity (AGT) distance, numerical rating scale for pain, and upper-limb function using the Motor Assessment Scale were recorded before and immediately after application of the sleeve on day 1 and day 8. A questionnaire was completed by patients on day 8 to explore perceptions. Results Analysis of the data using an analysis of variance for a 2 × 2 fully repeated measure design suggests that 1) there is no significant mean difference in AGT distance between day 1 and day 8 (F(1,4) = 1.28, MSE = 0.014, P = 0.322) 2); there is a significant mean difference in AGT distance due to wearing of sleeve (F(1,4) = 19.258, MSE = 0.011, P = 0.012); and 3) the change in AGT distance on day 1 due to wearing of sleeve is not statistically different from the change on day 8 (F(1,4) = 0.537, MSE = 0.008, P = 0.504). Three patients experienced decreased pain, and one patient showed improvement in the upper-limb function score. The mean time the Lycra arm sleeve was worn each day was 6.7 hrs. Three patients found the sleeve easy to wear and 4 patients found the sleeve beneficial. Conclusions Trends toward reduction in mean AGT distance suggest Lycra arm sleeves may be beneficial in glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) management. Further research is required to establish their effectiveness in acute and chronic settings using a well-designed fully powered randomized controlled trial