An Investigation of Effecacy of Electromyography Biofeedback on Motor paralysis of the lower extremities in Patients with Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes

Stroke is the most important cause of disability among adults. Although most stroke patients regain the ability to move independently, many will have persisting problems with mobility due to impaired balance and motor weakness. It seems imperative to use effective therapeutic methods in order to improve disability conditions of stroke patients. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of electromyography biofeedback on motor paralysis of the lower extremities in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in Isfahan city.

This study was carried out based on a multiple baseline with a staging initiation of treatment. The subjects were comprised of 4 patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes who were referred from neurologic clinics. The patients firstly were selected according to a purposeful procedure. Then, they were identified according to an interview administered by the neurologist and reviewing their medical records, and finally 4 subjects were randomly selected as the sample. In this study, Motor Arm & Grading Motor Leg questionnaire was used to collect the data.

The results of data chart visual analysis revealed a significant difference between the intervention and baseline phases for 4 patients considering motor paralysis of the lower extremities (PND 60% subject number 1 & 80% subject number 2&40% subject number 3 & subject number 4). In other words, motor paralysis of the lower extremities in the sample had reduced. The motor paralysis remained stable in the follow up phase (1 month and 1 week after intervention). As a result, electromyography biofeedback treatment had reduced the motor paralysis.

Using electromyography biofeedback can be an effective way in preventing or reducing motor paralysis in patients with stroke.