The effectiveness of EMG biofeedback in the treatment of arm function after stroke

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback on the recovery of arm function after stroke. Patients who had impaired arm function and were between 2 and 8 weeks after stroke were randomly allocated to receive either treatment incorporating EMG biofeedback or a control treatment in addition to their routine physiotherapy. The two groups of 20 patients were compared before and after 6 weeks of treatment and at follow-up 6 weeks later. There were no significant differences between the groups before treatment or at follow-up, but at the end of treatment those who received EMG biofeedback scored significantly higher on tests of arm function. Patients with severe impairment were shown to benefit most from EMG biofeedback but there was no difference in response to treatment according to patient's age or side of stroke. Men had higher arm function scores than women before and at the end of treatment, but not at follow-up.