Article

To compare the efficacy of electromyography (EMG)-triggered (active)
neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and passive NMES in enhancing the
upper extremity (UE) motor and functional recovery of subacute and chronic stage
stroke patients. Thirty-one hemiplegic patients were randomly assigned to active
NMES (n=11), passive NMES (n=10), and control (sham stimulation) (n=10) groups.
Each treatment regimen was applied five times per week for 45 min for 3 weeks.
All of the patients performed the same neurophysiologic exercise program for 45
min five times per week for 3 weeks. Patients were assessed by the UE component
of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (UE-FMA), the self-care component of the
Functional Independence Measure (self-care FIM), the Motor Activity Log (MAL),
goniometric measurements of active wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint extension,
surface EMG potentials, grip strength, and the modified Ashworth scale in a
blinded manner. Data were obtained before and at the end of the treatment.
Participants were similar in all clinical and demographic features (P>0.05). All
groups were comparable with respect to UE-FMA, MAL, self-care FIM, wrist and
finger flexor spasticity, active range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and
surface EMG potentials before treatment (P>0.05). The active ROM, grip strength,
FMA, FIM, surface EMG potentials, and MAL: amount of use were significantly
improved in the EMG-triggered NMES group compared with the controls (P<0.05). The
active wrist extension ROM and FMA scores were significantly improved in the
passive NMES group compared with the controls (P<0.05).
There were no
statistically significant differences between active and passive NMES groups in
any of the parameters evaluated at the end of the treatment (P>0.05). Both active
and passive NMES as adjuvant therapy in the neurophysiologic exercise program
effectively enhanced the UE motor and functional recovery of stroke survivors.

Langue : ANGLAIS