Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether EMG-triggered electrical stimulation applied to
multiple muscles daily is a feasible intervention and to determine its effect on
strength and activity in very weak stroke patients. DESIGN: A prospective,
randomized trial with blinded assessment. SETTING: Metropolitan mixed acute and
rehabilitation units. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three people within four weeks of a
stroke with less than Grade 3 strength in three out of four muscle groups
(shoulder flexors, elbow extensors, wrist and finger extensors and thumb
abductors) of the affected arm. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly
allocated to receive EMG-triggered electrical stimulation to the four muscle
groups of the affected arm plus usual therapy five times a week for four weeks,
or usual therapy only. MAIN MEASURES: Feasibility of the intervention was
measured by examining compliance with the trial protocol. Strength was measured
using manual muscle testing summed across muscle groups (0-20). Activity was
measured using the Motor Assessment Scale, summed upper limb items (0-18).
RESULTS: The experimental group received 87% of the intervention. Following the
intervention period, there was no difference between the groups for strength
(mean between-group difference, 0 out of 20, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3 to
3, p = 0.91) or activity (mean between-group difference 1 out of 18, 95% CI -2 to
4, p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to apply EMG-triggered electrical
stimulation to multiple muscles of the upper limb in very weak people early after
stroke. However, it does not appear to improve strength or activity beyond usual
arm therapy that contains strengthening.

Langue : ANGLAIS