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

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

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.

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.