NCT02974465

Electromyographic Biofeedback and Physical Therapy in Upper Limb Hemiparesis

Electromyographic Biofeedback and Physical Therapy in Upper Limb Hemiparesis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Alcala · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 15 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Electromyography

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Biofeedback Electromyography	protocol of sEMG-BFB that consisted of active movements in glenohumeral abduction guided by the visual signal of the register equipment. The protocol was the following: firstly proof active movements were requested in glenohumeral abduction without feeling any pain in order to teach the visual signal of their muscle activity. The therapist dedicated around 10 minutes in each session for subject learned to control the activation of both muscles in the limits that physical therapist marked with each individual in particular (controlling the activation in the upper trapezius). Once integrated information, shoulder abduction were requested following 4 main principles.
PROCEDURE	Sham Biofeedback Electromyography	consisted of Sham-EMG biofeedback, in which the electrodes were placed as the same method as the EG (Fig. 2) but the screen emit no signal. The subject performed 3 sequences of 10 abduction contractions (first degrees) without pain feeling and with 5 minutes of rest between sequences.
PROCEDURE	Conventional Physical Therapy Treatment	All participants received a conventional daily treatment of neurological physical therapy. Since no evidence has been found about a specific therapy that specially could benefit hemiparesis consequences, the common approach in this center consists of a combination of different specific concepts (Bobath, Brunnstrom, Rood, Johnstone, Propioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Perfetti, Vojta, Motor Relearning Programme,…), exercise programs, electrotherapy, myofascial techniques, etc…

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-11-01
• Primary completion: 2017-09-01
• Completion: 2018-02-01
• First posted: 2016-11-28
• Last updated: 2018-12-11