Effects of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation for upper extremity function in stroke patients

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation (MP-EMG ES) on the upper extremity of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to experimental group or control group. The experimental group received MP-EMG ES plus conventional rehabilitation therapy for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The control group received only conventional rehabilitation therapy. Outcome measure included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Motor Activity Log (MAL). [Results] Experimental group showed more improved in the FMA, MAL-AOU, MAL-QOM compared with the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that MP-EMG ES improves the upper extremity of subacute stroke patients better than conventional rehabilitation therapy alone.