Effect of EMG-triggered stimulation combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training on muscle tension in poststroke hemiparetic patients.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electromyography stimulation (EMGS) combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training on muscle tension of paretic limb in poststroke hemiparetic patients.

METHODS

Forty poststroke hemiparetic patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (N.=20 each): control group that received conventional therapy and experimental group that underwent EMGS combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training in addition to conventional therapy. The outcome was assessed by Fugl-Meyer Score, functional ambulation category (FAC) Scale and integrated electromyography (iEMG) for both pretreatment and post-treatment. The results were analyzed using paired t-test and group t-test.

RESULTS

No statistical significance was observed for Fugl-Meyer Score, FAC Score and iEMG values between control and experimental groups prior to the treatment (P>0.05). However, Fugl-Meyer and FAC scores were improved and iEMG values of gastrocnemius muscle were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in experimental group post-treatment. Thus, EMGS combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training show statistically significant interaction effect on Fugl-Meyer Score, FAC score and iEMG values (P<0.05), suggesting a positive effect of this combined therapy on functional recovery of post-stroke hemiparetic patients. The iEMG values in both groups were also consistent with the Fugl-Meyer and FAC scores.

CONCLUSION

EMGS combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training can synergistically reduce muscle tension and relieve muscular spasticity of paretic limb in post-stroke patients. The iEMG proved to be a potential candidate for the evaluation of motor function in these patients.