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

Abstract

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.