title: Effects of Action Observational Training Plus Brain-Computer Interface-Based Functional Electrical Stimulation on Paretic Arm Motor Recovery in Patient with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether action observational training (AOT) plus brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) has a positive influence on motor recovery of paretic upper extremity in patients with stroke. This was a hospital-based, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Thirty patients with a first-time stroke were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the BCI-FES group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). The BCI-FES group administered to AOT plus BCI-FES on the paretic upper extremity five times per week during 4 weeks while both groups received conventional therapy. The primary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity, Motor Activity Log (MAL), Modified Barthel Index and range of motion of paretic arm. A blinded assessor evaluated the outcomes at baseline and 4 weeks. All baseline outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. After 4 weeks, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity sub-items (total, shoulder and wrist), MAL (MAL-Activity of Use and Quality of Movement), Modified Barthel Index and wrist flexion range of motion were significantly higher in the BCI-FES group (p < 0.05). AOT plus BCI-based FES is effective in paretic arm rehabilitation by improving the upper extremity performance. The motor improvements suggest that AOT plus BCI-based FES can be used as a therapeutic tool for stroke rehabilitation. The limitations of the study are that subjects had a certain limited level of upper arm function, and the sample size was comparatively small; hence, it is recommended that future large-scale trials should consider stratified and lager populations according to upper arm function.
authors: The Post-Professional DPT Program, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ, 08205, USA.
authors: TaeHoon
authors: T
authors: Kim
authors: Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 139-742, Korea.
authors: SeongSik
authors: S
authors: Kim
authors: Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 139-742, Korea.
authors: ByoungHee
authors: B
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: arm motor function; brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation; stroke rehabilitation