Applying surface electromyography in limb function rehabilitation after stroke

Objective To evaluate the effect of surface electromyography (sEMG) applied bilaterally to the limbs in the rehabilitation of motor dysfunction among stroke survivors. Methods Sixty stroke survivors were randomized into a bilateral group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Both groups received routine rehabilitation for 4 weeks, but the bilateral group accepted additional limb rehabilitation training for the uninjured side. Before and after the intervention, motor function was assessed using sEMG during maximal voluntary contraction of the deltoid, biceps, triceps, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles. Integrated EMG (iEMG) and root mean square (RMS) values were computed. Results Before the training there was no significant difference in any of the measurements between the two groups. After the training both groups had significantly improved the average strength of their maximum contractions and their average iEMG and RMS values. The bilateral group, though, demonstrated significantly better results than the control group. Conclusion Bilateral limb rehabilitation training is superior to the conventional unilateral procedure in improving the motor function of stroke survivors. Key words: Stroke; Limb function; Motor function; Surface electromyography