Article

Impaired limb mobility is the most troublesome condition in patients
after cerebral stroke. The application of the electrode-glove might reduce
dysfunctions in patients treated due to stroke. OBJECTIVE:
The electrode-glove
use in rehabilitation is investigated. The study was conducted on 54 patients
aged 28 - 72 (the mean age 54.3 +/- 10.3) with hemiparesis who had suffered from
cerebral stroke. The patients from Group 1 were applied bipolar stimulation of
forearm muscles (flexors and extensors of the wrist joint and hand) with the use
of two flat electrodes of the same size. With regards to Group 2, in the study
used an electrode-glove. METHODS: The excitation threshold was determined once a
week with the use of the EMG. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The evaluation of the
electromyographic bioelectric activity of flexor and extensor muscles in the
forearm, of the functional mobility of the hand according to the Brunnstrom test
and of the functional mobility of the hand according to the seven-graded task
Frenchay scale. RESULTS: The authors of the study observed a much greater
improvement in the function of the hand in Group 2, where the mean value
increased by 2.1 points. With regards to Group 1, the mean value increased by 1
point and the differences of the results in the studied groups after the therapy
were statistically significant (p = 2.830). CONCLUSIONS:
The electrical
stimulation method controlled/triggered by muscle contractions is an effective
method of normalization of muscle tension in the forearm and hand as well as
restoration of the hand function in patients with cerebral stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS