Electromyographic biofeedback improves upper extremity function: a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a 6-week surface electromyographic biofeedback intervention on the re-learning of upper extremity motor function in subjects with paretic upper extremity after stroke.DesignA randomized controlled trial.SettingState Centre of Attention to Brain Injury, Madrid, Spai...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Torres Lacomba, María, Gómez Blanco, Antonio, Acero Cortés, Alberto, Retana Garrido, Ana, de la Villa Polo, Pedro, Sánchez Sánchez, Beatriz, Lirio Romero, Cristina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/41194
Acceso en línea:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003194062030016X
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/41194
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biofeedback
Electromyography
Recovery of function
Stroke
Upper extremity
Descripción
Sumario:ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a 6-week surface electromyographic biofeedback intervention on the re-learning of upper extremity motor function in subjects with paretic upper extremity after stroke.DesignA randomized controlled trial.SettingState Centre of Attention to Brain Injury, Madrid, Spain.ParticipantsThirty-eight participants in the sub-acute post-stroke stage were recruited and randomly allocated into either the surface electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG-BFB) or sham biofeedback (BFB) groups.InterventionsThe sEMG-BFB group (n = 19) received the intervention focused on re-learning scapulothoracic control during arm-reaching tasks involving shoulder abduction. The sham BFB group (n = 19) received a sham intervention.Outcome measuresUpper extremity motor function assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity Scale (66 points), the glenohumeral active range of motion, and the electromyographic amplitude signal of the middle deltoid and upper trapezius muscles were collected at baseline, after the intervention, and at the one-month follow-up.ResultsCompared with the sham BFB group, the sEMG-BFB group experienced significant increases in upper extremity motor function after the intervention. The mean differences between groups were as follows: 4.79 points (95% CI 2.92 to 6.66) after the intervention; 6.55 points (95% CI 3.75 to 9.34) at the one-month follow-up; improved active range of motion 15.75 points (95% CI 6 to 30) after the intervention and electromyographic activity in the upper trapezius muscle changed in favour of the sEMG-BFB.ConclusionsIn the short term, a 6-week sEMG-BFB intervention effectively improved paretic upper limb motor function. Future research is needed to determine if the sEMG-BFB intervention has any long-term effects.