INTRODUCTION: The spasticity in patients with sequel of stroke causes limitations in activities of daily life and becomes an important risk fator for the development of static deformities if not treated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cryotherapy combined with kinesiotherapy to the standard postural flexor and the degree of spasticity of the upper limb of patients with stroke. METHODOLOGY: Seven volunteers participated in this research. The routine of care included the application of ice on the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers (cryostimulation) for 1 minute and 40 seconds and kinesiotherapy in upper limb spasticity, totaling 10 minutes of action, two times a week during ten sessions. The default posture adopted by the upper limb flexor spastic was evaluated from the goniometry of the wrist joints, metacarpofalangeas and proximal interphalangeal. The first measure bearing was obtained after the arrival of the patient to the session. The second measure occurred after application of cryotherapy and the third after 10 minutes of intervention. The assessment of the spasticity's degree occurred through the Modified Ashworth Scale and implemented before the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The therapy through cryostimulation and kinesiotherapy was efficient in reducing the flexor posture of the upper limb and the degree of spasticity in the three joints, and this effect is observed at each session and at the end of ten sessions. CONCLUSION: However further studies are needed using a larger sample for further clarification of these findings.
Cerebral stroke; Spasticity; Cryotherapy; Kinesiotherapy
