This study aims to find out which treatment works better for improving hand function in stroke patients: sensory electrical stimulation or alternating electromyogram (EMG) stimulation. Both methods use electrical stimulation to help patients regain hand movement, but they work in slightly different ways. The goal is to see if one method is more effective than the other in helping stroke survivors recover their hand abilities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Sensory electrical stimulation, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves delivering electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin to manage pain. It can be applied at different frequencies, ranging from low (50 Hz). The intensity can be adjusted from sensory to motor levels. Sensory intensity is when the patient experiences a strong yet comfortable sensation without triggering muscle contraction
the device detects the EMG threshold value (peak muscle torque) of the target muscle and activates stimulation to enhance the patient's voluntary activation of the targeted muscle groups. It is used to assess peak muscle torque and deliver alternating and EMG-triggered stimulation. Surface electrodes are employed to detect electromyography in the affected muscle and administer electrical stimulation to the targeted muscle during treatment. The device stimulates the targeted muscles, after which the patient attempts to replicate the same movement until reaching the preset EMG feedback level
Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo universuty
Giza, Egypt
Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
assessment tool to evaluate the hand and arm function in individuals with stroke. It is often used to measure improvements in motor function, particularly for tasks like grasping, gripping, and other fine motor skills. It consists of 19 items assessing different aspects of arm and hand function, including tasks like reaching, grasping, and lifting objects. These tasks are scored, and the total score reflects the level of motor recovery and functional ability.
Time frame: 12 weeks
modified Ashworth scale
is a widely used tool to assess spasticity, or increased muscle tone, in individuals with neurological conditions like stroke. It measures the resistance of a muscle to passive movement and helps evaluate the degree of spasticity in the affected limbs. MAS Scoring (for elbow, wrist, and shoulder): 0: No increase in muscle tone. 1: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion. 1+: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder of the range of motion. 2: More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the range of motion, but the affected part(s) can still be easily moved. 3: Considerable increase in muscle tone, making passive movement difficult. 4: Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Medical Research Council scale for Fingers and Wrist
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale is a widely used method to assess muscle strength in different muscle groups, and to evaluate the strength of the fingers and wrist in stroke patients as part of this study. The MRC Scale is a 6-point grading system used to measure muscle strength. Grade 0: No contraction - There is no visible or palpable muscle contraction. Grade 1: Trace contraction - A slight contraction can be felt, but no movement occurs. Grade 2: Active movement, but not against gravity - The muscle can move the joint, but not against gravity. Grade 3: Active movement against gravity - The muscle can move the joint against gravity but not against resistance. Grade 4: Active movement against some resistance - The muscle can move the joint against resistance but is weaker than normal strength. Grade 5: Normal strength - The muscle can move the joint against full resistance with no weakness.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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