Influence of the surface electrostimulation controlled by muscle contraction on the bioelectric muscle activity and restoration of the hand function in cerebral stroke patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 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 Brunnström 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.

Hand-worn devices for assessment and rehabilitation of motor function and their potential use in BCI protocols: a review

“…As shown in Figure 6 , FES devices make up 8% of the references (Golaszewski et al, 2012 ; Krukowska et al, 2014 ; Lin et al, 2014 ; Sullivan et al, 2015 ; Kattenstroth et al, 2018 ; Friedenberg et al, 2022 ). They were commonly used in rehabilitation and several clinical studies tested their capabilities in treatments for hand impairments.…”

“…Another version of FES glove only targeted hand extensor muscles (i.e., three muscles on the hand). This group, Krukowska et al ( 2014 ) compared their glove with standard bipolar surface electrodes placed on the forearm. They found that their device helped restore motor function in the forearm as well as the hand (Krukowska et al, 2014 ).…”

“…This group, Krukowska et al ( 2014 ) compared their glove with standard bipolar surface electrodes placed on the forearm. They found that their device helped restore motor function in the forearm as well as the hand (Krukowska et al, 2014 ). Another group tested the usability of their FES glove, which delivered stimulation to the hand via embedded electrodes, on chronic stroke patients.…”

The Physiotherapy Process of a Plegic Patient Who Communicates with Foot Movement—A Case Report

“…As a result of daily upright standing, the patient was adapted to prolonged sitting in a wheelchair [ 15 ]. Maintaining the range of motion and increasing the strength of muscles that supply the ankle joint was achieved through exercise and muscle electrostimulation [ 16 ]. Despite the training of respiratory acceleration and standing upright, no improvement was achieved in respiratory efficiency, which was necessary to make the patient independent of respiratory support.…”

Applications of Smart Textiles in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

“…It concerns infants and aged people mainly but also handicapped people. Thus, the area of applications is wide and it is probable that the society requirements will be bigger and bigger [41][42][43][44][45][46][47].…”