Effect of Sling Exercise Training Combined with Kinetic Cupping Therapy on Upper Limb Motor Dysfunction in Patients after Stroke

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the effect of sling exercise training combined with kinetic cupping therapy on upper limb motor dysfunction in patients after stroke. Methods: 40 stroke patients, who were admitted to our hospital from September 2022 to April 2023 and treated with sling exercise training combined with kinetic cupping therapy, were allocated into combination group, and another 40 stroke patients, who were treated with kinetic cupping therapy in the same period, were assigned into the control group. After 4 weeks treatment, the clinical efficacy, pain level, upper limb function, and activity of daily living were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of treatment in combination group was higher than that in control group (p < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) score in both groups was reduced after treatment (p < 0.05), and the score in combination group was lower than that in control group (p < 0.05). The scores of Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA), Brunnstrom stage, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) after treatment were increased in both groups compared with before treatment (p < 0.05), and these in combination group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sling exercise training combined with kinetic cupping therapy has a good clinical efficacy in the treatment of stroke patients through improving the upper limb function, relieving pain, and enhancing the activity of daily living.