Effect of Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation and Electromyography Biofeedback on Spasticity and Motor Performance in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Keywords:
chronic stroke, electromyography biofeedback, motor performance, spasticity, stroke, therapeutic electrical stimulationAbstract
Background: Spasticity and motor deficits are common disabling consequences after chronic stroke. This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES) versus electromyography biofeedback (EMG-BF) combined with conventional physiotherapy on spasticity and motor performance in chronic stroke patients.
Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients (Brunnstrom stage ≥3, onset ≥6 months) were randomly allocated to three groups: conventional physiotherapy alone, conventional physiotherapy plus TES, or conventional physiotherapy plus EMG-BF. Interventions lasted four weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcomes included the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), Hmax/Mmax ratio, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA).
Results: All groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05). Between-group analysis revealed significant differences only in Hmax/Mmax ratio reduction (p=0.000), favouring the EMG-BF group.
Conclusion: While all protocols were effective, EMG-BF combined with conventional physiotherapy was superior in reducing neurophysiological measures of spasticity in chronic stroke patients.
