Effects of motor imagery therapy combined with electromyographic biofeedback on upper limb function in hemiplegic stroke patients

Objective To study the effects of motor imagery therapy combined with electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback on upper limb function in hemiplegic patients.Methods Sixty hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited and divided into a control group (n=20),an electrical stimulation group (n=20) and a combination group (n=20).All groups received basic medication and routine rehabilitation training once daily for 4 weeks.The electrical stimulation group was also treated with EMG biofeedback,and the combination group with motor imagery therapy plus EMG biofeedback.The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA),the modified Barthel index (MBI) and EMG parameters were assessed before and after 2 courses of treatment.Results After 8 weeks of treatment all groups had significantly higher FMA scores and MBI scores,and better integrated EMG values,but the effects in the combination group were significantly better than those in the other two groups.Conclusions Motor imagery therapy combined with EMG biofeedback can more effectively promote recovery of upper limb function in hemiplegic stroke patients. Key words: Hemiplegia; Motor imagery; Electromyographic biofeedback; Integrated electromyography