Myoelectric Computer Interface Training for Reducing Co-Activation and Enhancing Arm Movement in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Trial
NOTE: The research from this abstract was presented by group member, Torin Kovach at 11:00a.m. - 11:25a.m. Project ID: MEDH 31.
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.
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.