title: Effects of Task-Oriented Training as an Added Treatment to Electromyogram-Triggered Neuromuscular Stimulation on Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Stroke Patients.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of electromyogram-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (EMG-stim) combined with task-oriented training (TOT) on upper extremity function in chronic stroke patients. Twenty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. The intervention group conducted TOT with EMG-stim on the wrist and finger extensor of the affected arm for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The control group was provided EMG-stim for 20 minutes per day for the same duration. The intervention group exhibited significant improvement relative to the control group in muscle activation, motor recovery (Fugl-Meyer assessment) and dexterity (Box and Block Test) (p < 0.05). Significant differences in hand function between the groups were detected in the writing of short sentences and in stacking checkers (p < 0.05). It is concluded that EMG-stim in combination with TOT may be better than EMG-stim alone for the treatment of arm paresis in stroke patients. Further research with a larger sample is recommended to examine neurologic changes or cerebral cortex reorganization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Young Kwang Rehabilitation Hospital, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Sun-Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hyuk
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Ye
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Young
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000451:nursing*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: electromyogram-triggered neuromuscular stimulation; occupational therapy; stroke; task-oriented training; upper extremity