Myoelectric Computer Interface Training for Reducing Co-Activation and Enhancing Arm Movement in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Trial

Session Number

Project ID: MEDH 35

Advisor(s)

Dr. Marc Slutzky; Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

Discipline

Medical and Health Sciences

Start Date

22-4-2020 10:25 AM

End Date

22-4-2020 10:40 AM

Abstract

Abnormal muscle co-activation has been identified as a significant factor behind upper extremity impairment of the arm after stroke. From previous study, we developed a myoelectric computer interface training paradigm, which maps surface electromyographic signals to cursor movements, to train stroke survivors to reduce abnormal muscle co-activation. This study found the paradigm effective as a tool for chronic stroke rehabilitation. We then modified this original paradigm into four distinct groups: a two-muscle feedback group, a single-muscle feedback control group, a three-muscle feedback group, and a group in which patients were instructed to increase their reach range. We have evaluated the three-muscle feedback group with both acute and chronic stroke survivors, measuring functional scores and performance within the training software. For chronic stroke patients, the three-muscle group engendered greater gains than the two-muscle paradigm group, and all groups outperformed the control. Our current results establish the effectiveness of the two-muscle feedback paradigm and the three-muscle feedback paradigm in reducing abnormal co-activation in chronic stroke survivors.

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Apr 22nd, 10:25 AM Apr 22nd, 10:40 AM

Myoelectric Computer Interface Training for Reducing Co-Activation and Enhancing Arm Movement in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Trial

Abnormal muscle co-activation has been identified as a significant factor behind upper extremity impairment of the arm after stroke. From previous study, we developed a myoelectric computer interface training paradigm, which maps surface electromyographic signals to cursor movements, to train stroke survivors to reduce abnormal muscle co-activation. This study found the paradigm effective as a tool for chronic stroke rehabilitation. We then modified this original paradigm into four distinct groups: a two-muscle feedback group, a single-muscle feedback control group, a three-muscle feedback group, and a group in which patients were instructed to increase their reach range. We have evaluated the three-muscle feedback group with both acute and chronic stroke survivors, measuring functional scores and performance within the training software. For chronic stroke patients, the three-muscle group engendered greater gains than the two-muscle paradigm group, and all groups outperformed the control. Our current results establish the effectiveness of the two-muscle feedback paradigm and the three-muscle feedback paradigm in reducing abnormal co-activation in chronic stroke survivors.