Electrical Stimulation Combined With Motor Training on EEG-EMG Coherence and Motor Function in Individuals With Stroke

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study investigated whether electrical stimulation (ES) prior to a hand function training session for a total of eight weeks can better improve neuromuscular control and hand function in subacute stroke individuals and change electroencephalography-electromyography (EEG-EMG) coherence, as compared to the control (sham ES).

Detailed Description
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Subjects were randomly assigned into ES and control groups. Both groups received 20-minute hand function training twice a week, and the ES group received 40-minute ES on the median nerve of the affected side before each training session. The control group received sham ES - electrodes were placed on the same location but no electric current was applied. EEG, EMG and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) were collected before, at the 4th week, at the end of 8th week, and 4 weeks after the end of intervention.

Official Title
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Effects of 8-week Sensory Electrical Stimulation Combined With Motor Training on EEG-EMG Coherence and Motor Function in Individuals With Stroke

Conditions
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Stroke

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Electrical stimulation
* Other: Sham electrical stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: first-ever cerebral cortical region involved chronic stroke, onset over a month, able to perform active thumb flexion on the affected side with the scores of manual muscle test at least two points, and at stable medical condition for intervention Exclusion Criteria: history of other neurological disorders, cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <24, MMSE),26 unable to follow orders, contraindications of ES, and under 20 years old

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Electrical stimulation<br> | Other: Electrical stimulation<br>* sensory electrical stimulation was applied prior to upper limb functional training<br>|
| Sham Comparator: Control<br> | Other: Sham electrical stimulation<br>* electrodes were placed on the same location as the Electrical stimulation condition, but no electric current was applied<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity | evaluate changes in upper extremity function of the stroke subjects | before intervention, four weeks after, at the end of the eight-week intervention and four weeks after the intervention period ended | 
| EEG-EMG coherence | evaluate changes in functional connectivity between motor cortex and active muscles | before intervention, four weeks after, at the end of the eight-week intervention and four weeks after the intervention period ended | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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electrical stimulation