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

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

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).

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. first-ever cerebral cortical region involved chronic stroke, onset over a month,
2. able to perform active thumb flexion on the affected side with the scores of manual muscle test at least two points, and
3. at stable medical condition for intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

1. history of other neurological disorders,
2. cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <24, MMSE),26
3. unable to follow orders,
4. contraindications of ES, and
5. under 20 years old