Electromyography-biofeedback on the Motor Activation of the Extension of the Hand

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Background: Biofeedback-Surface electromyography (BIO-SEMG) is a relatively recent physiotherapy technique. Although its use is widespread in sports science and sports performance, its use for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological pathologies is less studied. Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the changes that occur in the application of BIO-SEMG in the muscles responsible for the extension and the dorsiflexion of the hand and the foot in subjects with cerebrovascular damage. Design: A randomized, double-blind, two-arm parallel group study was performed. Patients: A sample of 28 subjects with limited extension of the hand and dorsiflexion of the foot as a consequence of a stroke was randomized divided in intervention or control groups. Methods: The subjects of the intervention group underwent 12 sessions of BIO-SEMG, of 15-minute duration each of them, in the upper and lower members. On the other hand, the control group underwent another 12 sessions of 15-minute duration, in which manual physiotherapy techniques were performed.

Official Title
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Effect of a Neurological Physiotherapy Program With Electromyography-biofeedback on the Motor Activation of the Extension of the Hand and Dorsiflexion of the Foot in Cerebrovascular Damage: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Conditions
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Stroke, Complication

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: surface electromyography-biofeedback


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients with a stroke Limitation of the hand and foot extension Exclusion Criteria: Patients with some contraindication against the surface electromyography biofeedback technique, for instance, people with pacemaker, with cardiovascular antecedents, etc. Patients receiving other physiotherapy treatment 2 months before the beginning of the study Patients that decline to sign the informed consent.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 74 Years
Maximum Age: 84 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: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: INTERVENTION<br>A group that underwent a neurological physiotherapy program with electromyography-biofeedback on the hand and the foot | Device: surface electromyography-biofeedback<br>* Two electrodes were putted on the motor point of the extensor muscle of the hand and the foot. The positive electrode was placed on the distal zone of the hand or the foot, while the negative electrode was placed on the proximal zone.<br>|
| Active Comparator: CONTROL<br>A group that underwent a conventional physiotheraphy intervention | Device: surface electromyography-biofeedback<br>* Two electrodes were putted on the motor point of the extensor muscle of the hand and the foot. The positive electrode was placed on the distal zone of the hand or the foot, while the negative electrode was placed on the proximal zone.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extension Degree | Change in the extension ability of the upper an lower members depending on the activity of the extensor muscles | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fugl Meyer Test | Severity degree of the stroke-derived consequences | 6 months |