Comparison of the Effects of Dry Needling and Bobath Concept on Spasticity in Post-Stroke Pastients

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a global health issue with a significant impact on mortality and disability. The lifetime risk of stroke is reported to be 1 in 4 adults, indicating a massive global disease burden [8]. This high prevalence contributes to an increasing number of post-stroke patients experiencing motor function impairments. Spasticity is a common motor complication in post-stroke patients [27]. Various physiotherapy approaches are used to manage spasticity, including the Bobath Concept—which emphasizes the normalization of muscle tone and postural control [19]—and dry needling, a modern neuromuscular intervention reported to reduce spasticity by modulating spinal reflexes and motor neuron activity [9]. Objectives: To determined the effect of dry needling on spasticity in post-stroke patients, the effect of the Bobath Concept on spasticity in post-stroke patients, and to compared the effects of dry needling and the Bobath Concept on spasticity in post-stroke patients. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design using a pre-test and post-test two-group approach was employed, comparing a dry needling treatment group (n=20) with a Bobath Concept group (n=20). The Ashworth Scale was used to measure spasticity. Data analysis involved the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for hypotheses 1 and 2, and the Mann-Whitney U test for hypothesis 3. Results: Based on the results of The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for hypotheses 1 and 2 yielded p- values< 0.05, and the Mann-Whitney U test for hypothesis 3 comparing post-intervention Ashworth Scale scores also yielded a p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: Dry needling gives an effect on spasticity in post-stroke patients, the Bobath Concept gives an effect on spasticity in post-stroke patients, and there is a difference in the effects of dry needling and the Bobath Concept on spasticity in post-stroke patients.