Surface electromyography of facilitated versus free arm activation after stroke

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine if the amount of volitional muscle activation in a stroke affected arm is altered by facilitation. An experiment was designed in which surface EMG was recorded from the biceps brachii and triceps brachii of seven acute stroke patients, during three types of activities. Recordings are made during unassisted attempts at flexion and extension, weight bearing attempts through the arm, and therapist resistive facilitation. The results show that weight bearing and facilitation result in greater muscle activation, even in patients with fully paretic arms. Possible applications of this effect are discussed, particularly with regard to robotic therapy.