Electromyogram-triggered neuromuscular stimulation for improving the arm function of acute stroke survivors: a randomized pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of electromyogram (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (EMG-stim) in enhancing upper extremity motor and functional recovery of acute stroke survivors.


METHODS
A pilot randomized, single-blinded clinical trial.


METHODS
Freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facility.


METHODS
Nine subjects who were within 6 weeks of their first unifocal, nonhemorrhagic stroke were randomly assigned to either the EMG-stim (n = 4) or control (n = 5) group. All subjects had a detectable EMG signal (>5 microV) from the surface of the paretic extensor carpi radialis and voluntary wrist extension in synergy or in isolation with muscle grade of <3/5.


METHODS
All subjects received two 30-minute sessions per day of wrist strengthening exercises with EMG-stim (experimental) or without (control) for the duration of their rehabilitation stay.


METHODS
Upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor assessment and the feeding, grooming, and upper body dressing items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were assessed at study entry and at discharge.


RESULTS
Subjects treated with EMG-stim exhibited significantly greater gains in Fugl-Meyer (27.0 vs 10.4; p = .05), and FIM (6.0 vs 3.4; p = .02) scores compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Data suggest that EMG-stim enhances the arm function of acute stroke survivors.
Francisco
G
G
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA.
Chae
J
J
Chawla
H
H
Kirshblum
S
S
Zorowitz
R
R
Lewis
G
G
Pang
S
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method