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Objective To explore the effectiveness of a myoelectricity-driven hand robot on the recovery of hand motor function early after a stroke.Methods Thirty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=15) or an experimental group (n =15).Both groups received routine rehabilitation exercises,while the experimental group additionally received hand training using a robotic hand exoskeleton.Before and after 4 weeks of treatment,the motor function of the wrist and fingers in both groups were measured using the Fugl-Meyer assessment.Spasticity in the index,middle,ring and little fingers was quantified using the modified Ashworth scale.The muscle force of the fourth finger,thumb and all of the fingers during maximum voluntary extension and flexion were recorded using the robot's surface electromyography system.Results Significant increases in the average Fugl-Meyer scores in both groups were observed after 4 weeks of treatment,but the experimental group's average score was by then significantly higher than that of the control group.The experimental group's average Ashworth score and the average sEMG amplitudes were also significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusion Supplementing routine rehabilitation exercises with a hand robot can improve hand motor function and muscle force significantly,as well as relieving hand spasticity early after a stroke.
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@#Objective To apply the surface electromyography (sEMG) in the evaluation of hand motor function for patients with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods From January to August, 2018, 43 hemiplegic patients with hand dysfunction after stroke were selected. All the patients received comprehensive rehabilitation for four weeks. Their root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of wrist flexor (WF), wrist extensor (WE), extensor digitorum (ED) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) were measured before and after treatment, while they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Brunnstrom's stages for the affected hand. Results The FMA score and Brunnstrom's stages, as well as the RMS and iEMG of WF, WE, ED and APB increased after treatment (Z > 2.496, t > 5.361, P < 0.05). The FMA score positively correlated with the RMS and iEMG of WF, WE, ED and APB (r = 0.423-0.732, P < 0.05). The Brunnstrom's stages positively correlated with the RMS of WE, ED and ABP (r = 0.343-0.467, P < 0.05) and the iEMG of WF, WE and ABP (r = 0.223-0.328, P < 0.05). Multiple linear stepwise regression drew the RMS of ED and iEMG of WE as the related factors for FMA (t > 4.243, P < 0.001), and RMS of ED as the related factors for Brunnstrom's stages (t = 4.707, P < 0.001). Conclusions EMG is an effective tool to evaluate the motor function of hand for stroke patient as an objective and quantitative assessment, especially those of WE and ED.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training for upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients. METHODS: Sixty-two stroke patients were randomly divided into balance acupuncture group (n＝31) and routine acupuncture group (n＝31). For patients of the balance acupuncture group, Piantan, Jiantong and Wantong points on the healthy side were used. When Jiantong point taken, the acupuncture needle was removed after the patient experienced an electric shock-like spreading needling sensation. When Wantong point employed, the needle was removed after the patient experienced a local, intensified or spreading needling sensation. When Piantan point used, the needle was retained after the patient experienced an electric shock-like needling sensation, then, the motor relearning training was conducted, and the needle was removed immediately after the training. For patients of the routine acupuncture group, Jianyu(LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), etc. were needled with the needles retained for 30 min after getting needling sensations. The motor relearning training was also carried out after removal of the needle. The treatment in both groups was performed once daily, 6 days a week, and lasted for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer score and motor function scale (MAS) of the upper limb, and the fine performance score and motor function score of the hand were assessed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Following treatment, the Fugl-Meyer score and MAS of the upper limbs, and the motor function score and fine performance score of the hand were significantly increased in both groups compared with pre-treatment in each group (P<0.05 ), suggesting a functional improvement of both upper limb and hand. The therapeutic effect of the balance acupuncture was obviously superior to that of routine acupuncture in improving functions of both the upper limb and hand (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training is helpful to improve the comprehensive function of the upper limb and hand in stroke patients.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of hand motor function recovery and Tatu's vascular territory classification of brain lesion in acute stroke. METHOD: Thirty one patients with acute cerebral infarct were included. We divided them into two groups. One had cerebral lesions supplied by the leptomeningeal branches of cerebral artery and the other by the perforating branches of cerebral artery. The leptomeningeal group was subdivided into middle cerebral artery group (LMCA) and posterior cerebral artery group (LPCA). The perforating group was again divided by perforating branch of the middle cerebral artery group (PMCA) and anterior choroidal artery group (PACoA). The diffusion weighted magnetic resonance image was used as a reference image. The hand motor recovery was scored by physical examination at admission and discharge. Score 0 was for no motion, 1 was for synergy movement, and 2 was for isolated hand movement. RESULTS: Eight patients were in LMCA group, while 3 were in LPCA group. Eight were in PMCA group, and twelve patients were in PACoA group. The distribution of the hand motor recovery at admission was score 0 (3,1,5,8, for LMCA, LPCA, PMCA, PACoA), 1 (2,1,1,4) and 2 (3,1,2,0), while at discharge, score 0 (3,0,4,4), 1 (0,0,1,5) and 2 (5,3,3,3). Hand functions significantly improved at discharge compared with those at admission in all groups. Especially in PACoA group, the significant better recovery at discharge was achieved.(p<0.05) Isolated hand movement at discharge was significantly better at the leptomeningeal group than perforating group.(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tatu's atlas may be helpful to predict the recovery of hand function for initial assessment of stroke rehabilitation.