Rehabilitation With Biofeedback for People After Stroke

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Biofeedback Rehabilitation in People After Stroke

The aim of the research will be to evaluate rehabilitation using the biofeedback method in people after stroke.

Study participants will be randomly assigned to a study group and a control group.

• Study group I - will complete a conventional rehabilitation program supplemented with biofeedback exercises using the Biometrics E-link device
• Study group II - will complete a conventional rehabilitation program supplemented with biofeedback exercises using the Stella Bio device
• Control group - will complete a standard spa rehabilitation program without biofeedback exercises.

The study participants will be patients admitted to the Spa and Rehabilitation Hospital in Iwonicz-Zdrój, Poland, after a late-stage stroke.

Patients will undergo continuous inpatient rehabilitation (3 weeks). The first examination will be conducted on the day of hospital admission, the second on the day of discharge, and the third (follow-up) 3 months after hospital discharge, during a follow-up visit.

Prior to the study, a socio-demographic questionnaire will be administered, including questions about education, marital status, and place of residence.

Measurements will be performed three times for all participants:

• hand muscle strength assessment
• calculated body mass index (BMI)
• proprioceptive testing (mirror test, Thumb Location Test)
• rehabilitation outcome assessment
• functional capacity - Barthel Index, ADL
• Ashworth muscle tone (spasticity)
• hand dexterity using the Box and Blocks test
• hand grip function according to the Frenchay scale
• motor function of the hand and upper limb according to the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale for Upper Extremity

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed, voluntary consent of the patient
• age 45-80 years
• elementary (basic) gripping ability
• degree of paresis of the upper limb and hand 4 -5 on the Brunnström scale
• degree of disability on the Rankin scale 3
• spastic tension of the upper limb, paresis hand not more than 3 on the modified Ashworth scale - current health condition confirmed by a medical examination, allowing participation in tests and exercises

Exclusion Criteria:

• lack of informed, voluntary consent of the patient
• second or subsequent stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, stroke of the brainstem and cerebellum
• disorders of higher mental functions limiting comprehension and carrying out tasks during exercises
• visual field disturbances
• mechanical and thermal injuries that may limit the grasping function of the hand
• concomitant neurological, rheumatological and orthopedic diseases, including permanent - contractures that may affect the grasping ability and locomotion
• unstable medical condition
• failure to complete a 3-week rehabilitation stay