Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study is to compare between electromyogram-triggered stimulation versus alternating electromyogram stimulation on hand function in chronic stroke patients. Material and Methods. Forty five chronic stroke patients of both sexes were divided into 3 equal groups (A, B and C). Each group received the same designed physical therapy program for hand function training in addition to electromyogram-triggered stimulation for group A and alternating electromyogram stimulation for group B. Each patient was assessed before and after the two months of intervention protocol by box and block test to evaluate manual dexterity and by electromyography (EMG) threshold to evaluate peak muscle torque. Results. There was significant post-treatment increase in manual dexterity and peak muscle torque mean scores in all groups. The percentage of improvement was higher in group B compared to other groups. Conclusion. Adding alternating electromyogram stimulation or electromyogram-triggered stimulation to a designed physical therapy program for hand function training improves hand function and peak muscle torque in chronic stroke patients. Alternating electromyogram stimulation was more effective than electromyogram-triggered stimulation.

Key words:

Electromyogram-triggered stimulation, alternating electromyogram stimulation, rehabilitation; stroke, hand function