The effects of task-oriented training combined with electromyographic biofeedback on wrist/finger extension after stroke

Objective To study the effects of task-oriented training combined with electromyographic biofeedback on wrist and finger extension after stroke.Methods Thirty-eight stroke patients were assigned randomly into either an experimental group (18 cases) or a control group (18 cases).Both groups received routine rehabilitation treatment and electromyographic biofeedback training.In addition,the experimental group was given task-oriented training in wrist and finger extension.Myoelectricity values,the active range of wrist dorsiflexion and the FuglMeyer upper extremity assessment (FMA) were assessed before and after 8 weeks of training.Results All of the patients showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of training,but compared with the controls,the patients in the experimental group improved significantly more in terms of all of the measures.Conclusion Task-oriented training with electromyographic biofeedback can improve upper extremity function,particularly wrist extension,among hemiplegic stroke survivors. Key words: Task-oriented training;  Electromyographic biofeedback;  Wrist extension;  Stroke