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Research on the Effect of MT+FES Training on Sensorimotor Cortex
Yuan-Xing Wang1, Zhi-Zeng Luo1
1Institute of Intelligent Control and Robotics, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
Neural Plasticity
|June 13, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with mirror therapy (MT) for stroke patients. The FES+MT approach significantly enhanced sensorimotor cortex activity, aiding upper limb motor recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Stroke survivors often experience unilateral upper limb motor dysfunction.
- Mirror therapy (MT) is a known technique for motor recovery.
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) can detect muscle activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and verify a novel training method combining mirror therapy (MT) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) controlled by sEMG for patients with post-stroke unilateral upper limb motor dysfunction.
- To analyze the changes in sensorimotor cortex activity following this training method.
Main Methods:
- Ten subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (FES+MT, n=5) or a control group (MT, n=5).
- Both groups underwent 4 weeks of daily elbow flexion training.
- The experimental group received FES (30 Hz, 100 μs, 10 mA) during training, while the control group received only MT.
Main Results:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) data showed a significant increase in the motor imagery eigenvalue (E) in the experimental group compared to the control group after training.
- The experimental group's post-training eigenvalue E was significantly higher than their pre-training values and the control group's post-training values.
Conclusions:
- The proposed FES+MT training method demonstrates a significant activation effect on the cerebral sensorimotor cortex.
- This approach holds promise for improving motor recovery in stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction.
