Alternating heat and cold speeds stroke rehab

American Heart Association has deemed a study of 46 stroke survivors a major milestone in that it showed alternating cycles of heat and cold (thermal stimulation) to significantly improve the function of paralyzed upper limbs. The study participants either underwent standard rehabilitation therapy for stroke or had standard treatment plus thermal stimulation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Hot packs (at 167° F) and cold packs (slightly below 32° F) were first wrapped in towels to prevent tissue damage from the packs’ extreme temperatures. Thermal stimulation then began by placing a hot pack on the person’s wrist and hand for about 15 seconds and then removing it for about 30 seconds. After the tenth heat application, the cycle was repeated with cold packs, for a total of 20 to 30 minutes. Recovery on measures of sensation and movement were significantly greater for the thermal stimulation group than for the standard therapy group. Heat and cold create different sensations in stroke survivors and bring about motor responses that speed recovery.

(Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association)