Electromyographic Biofeedback and Physical Therapy in Upper Limb Hemiparesis (EMG-BFB)

University of Alcala

Status: Completed

Conditions: Electromyography

Treatments: Procedure: Sham Biofeedback Electromyography; Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy Treatment; Procedure: Biofeedback Electromyography

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02974465

UNIALCALA

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a specific protocol of sEMG-BFB in upper limb hemiparesis added to conventional physical therapy on changes in upper extremity functionality, motor recruitment pattern and range of motion (ROM) compared to the single application of conventional physical therapy. It aims to find a 22.22% difference between both interventions.

Full description

Upper limb hemiparesis is a common consequence after brain damage.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a specific protocol of surface electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG-BFB) and conventional physical therapy in upper limb functionality, muscle recruitment changes, and glenohumeral range of motion compared to the single application of conventional physical therapy.

Design: randomized controlled clinical trial.

Sample: 40 participants from State Center of Attention to Brain Injury were recruited.

Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups where the experimental group received sEMG-BFB for the upper trapezius and middle deltoid muscles of the upper limb with hemiparesis and the control group received a placebo of the same technique. Both treatments were applied for 6 weeks. The score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity" for functionality and shoulder range of motion were objectified. Root mean square (RMS) value was assessed as a secondary measure Data were collected before and after intervention.

A protocol of sEMG-BFB in upper limb may have an important role in the recovery of subjects with upper limb hemiparesis.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 15 to 55 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• acquired brain injury after two months of medical evolution at least;
• suffer paretic upper limb;
• spasticity no greater than 3 in the modified Ashworth scale;
• minimum active ROM of 20º of glenohumeral abduction.

Exclusion criteria

• peripheral nerve injury, fractures of upper limb, cervical radiculopathy, complete luxation of the shoulder and severe cognitive impairment.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

40 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

protocol of Biofeedback Electromyography plus conventional physical therapy treatment

Treatment:

Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy Treatment

Procedure: Biofeedback Electromyography

Control Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

consisted of Sham- Biofeedback Electromyography plus conventional physical therapy treatment

Treatment:

Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy Treatment

Procedure: Sham Biofeedback Electromyography