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BACKGROUND: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common morbidity of stroke. Different treatment modalities can be used for optimizing the results and limiting the possible side effects. This research compares the effects of two therapies used to reduce the pain and improve the quality of life of the patients with HSP. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and suprascapular nerve blockage (SSNB) in patients with HSP. METHODS: In this clinical research, 24 patients with HSP who participated in a conventional rehabilitation program were randomized into TENS or SSNB treatment groups. A 100 mm visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pain. Passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder was measured. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to evaluate spasticity of the upper extremities, and the Modified Barthel Scale was used to assess activities of daily living (ADL). Quality of life was measured using the Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) questionnaire. RESULTS: The pain scores of the SSNB group decreased more significantly (p < 0.05) than in the TENS group. SS-QoL scores at the 3rd week in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment (p < 0.05). MAS scores and Barthel scores after treatment did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: TENS and SSNB were beneficial in relieving pain and increasing passive shoulder ROM and ADL in all patients. The alleviating of pain was faster in patients who underwent SSNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effects of using night orthosis for 6 weeks in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), including a follow up after 3 months using electrophysiological and functional outcome measurements. Study design: 12 week follow-up prospective study. Methods: Twenty-two patients with a total of 36 hands diagnosed as CTS were included. Subjects were informed about using a night orthosis for 6 weeks and were evaluated at the baseline, 6th and 12th week. Results: Median motor distal latency was significantly decreased and median motor compound muscle action potential was significantly increased at the 6th week. Median sensory velocity was significantly increased at the 12th week. No significant difference was found in terms of functional outcome measurements. Conclusion: Electrophysiological follow-up findings support the positive effects of using a wrist orthosis on median nerve conduction for CTS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]