EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF UNANI REGIMEN IN THE REHABILITATION OF POST STROKE HEMIPLEGIC GAIT: AN OPEN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Stroke is the most frequent clinical manifestation of diseases of the cerebral blood vessels. Up to 90% of post-stroke survivors report one or more disabilities, including impaired walking. Physical rehabilitation and gait training with equipments are essential in the management of post stroke gait disability, however, these techniques are not amenable for hemiplegic patients because of their limitations to actively participate in such training programs. Unani (Greco-Arab) Medicine scholars have been known to treat post-stroke complications on concept of Tanqiya (elimination of morbid matter) and Ta’deel (revitalization of diseased organ) since centuries. Methods: The study was conducted as open, interventional clinical trial, enrolling 30 eligible patients. Tanqiya was done by Mundij (coctives) and Mus’hile Balgham (phlegm purgatives) drugs used in decoction form for 13 days; after Tanqiya, full body Inkibab (steam bath) with Advia Harrah (Hot temperament Drugs) was started from 14^th to 28^th day of the study for the purpose of Ta’deel. Assessment for gait improvement was performed on valid and reliable scale “FAC” at baseline, 14^th day and 28^th day of the treatment. Results: Significant statistical difference was observed in walking patterns between baseline and 14^th day scores (p<0.01); and base line and 28^th day scores (p<0.001) using Friedman test with Dunn’s multiple comparison test. No significant adverse change appeared in safety parameters. Conclusion: The test formulations, used in consonance with the concept of Tanqiya and Tadeel, were found effective and more feasible in the rehabilitation of post-stroke hemiplegic gait.