The Effectiveness of the electrostimulation with eedback to patients after a stroke with affected arm function

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of impairment and disabilities in the industrialized world. Literature provides evidence that electrostimulation with feedback (electromyographic (EMG) triggered stimulation) is a superior therapy than the conventional electrical therapy on motor recovery of the affected arm after stroke. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the electrostimulation with feedback (EMG triggered electrostimulation) to patients after a stroke with affected arm function. Method: Patients included in the study after a stroke with impaired function of the arm and wrist extensors muscle strength. Participants were randomly allocated to receive EMG-triggered electrostimulation to the wrist extensors of the affected arm plus usual therapy five times a week for four weeks. Before and after the study assessed: wrist extensor muscle group strength, electrical activity, wrist joint range of motion, patients functional independence. Probabilities of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Average age of 9 persons in the group is 62.11 yrs. Wrist and finger extensors muscle groups strength as measured using the dynamometer during the rehabilitation increased by 7.69 kg. Lovett scale scores increased from 2.12 points to 3.67 points. Hand muscle strength grew up by 6.67 kg. Patient’s wrist extension amplitude improved 22.67°. Electrical activity of wrist extensor muscles during the assessment after the study increased 70.38 mV. Barthel index up by 33.33 points, FIM results - 27.11 points. All that showed statistically significant improvements. Conclusions: For patients after stroke with consent of the upper extremity, when applying rehabilitation[...].