Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

The purpose of this study was to know the effect of nitrogen-based cryotherapy on the spasticity of calf muscle in stroke patients. Assessment: patients were assessed through modified Ashworth's scale, H/M ratio for affected soleus muscle and two-dimentions motion analysis for ankle dorsiflexion ROM. All these measurements were assessed before and after treatment program. Thirty stroke patients were selected from outpatient clinic of Neurology, Al-Mansoura general hospital and Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups. Methods: patients in study group (n=15) received a selective physical therapy program and nitrogen-based cryotherapy and AFO, while as patients in control group (n=15) received selective physical therapy program and AFO only. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the H/M ratio scores and 2D motion analysis findings before treatment, but there was ahighly significant difference between the two groups regarding the scores of MAS. After treatment, there was a highly significant decrease in the study group compared to the control group regarding the score of MAS, no significant decrease in the study group compared to the control group regarding the readings of H/M ratio, highly significant increase in the study group compared to the control group regarding the 2D motion analysis findings. Conclusion: Nitrogen-based cryotherapy considers an effective method in reducing spasticity in calf muscle and improving ankle dorsiflexion of the affected limb

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