Stroke, Quality of Life, Mirror Movement
Conditions
Keywords
Stroke rehabilitation, Electromyography, Neuroplasticity, Upper Linb, Neurorehabilitation
Brief summary
This study focuses on electromyographic analysis of upper limb muscle activation in stroke survivors during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) rehabilitation techniques. By measuring muscle activity in the wrist and finger flexors and extensors, the research seeks to understand the impact of MI and AO on motor function recovery post-stroke. Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study involves stroke survivors participating in a series of three experimental sessions. The analysis will correlate electromyographic responses with functional independence, limb functionality, and cognitive factors. The research aims to contribute to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, offering insights into effective rehabilitation methods for improving quality of life in stroke survivors.
Detailed description
This study investigates muscle activation in the upper limbs of stroke survivors using electromyographic analysis during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO). Stroke, a major cause of disability, often results in motor impairments in the upper limb, impacting daily activities. The research focuses on innovative rehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity, such as MI and AO, stimulated by the discovery of mirror neurons. The primary goal is to record upper limb muscle activation during MI and AO, using surface electromyography to measure activation in wrist and finger flexors and extensors. The study will also explore the relationship between electromyographic responses and factors like daily activity independence, limb functionality, quality of life, mental evocation ability, and cognitive impairment. Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study will recruit stroke survivors for a three-session experimental protocol involving control, MI, and AO conditions. Data will be analyzed with SPSS Statistics, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance. The research aims to enhance understanding of effective neurorehabilitation techniques, contributing to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Interventions
mental process where an individual visualizes or imagines themselves performing a movement without actually executing it physically. This cognitive process involves the mental rehearsal of motor actions, engaging similar neural pathways that are used when physically performing the action.
rehabilitation technique based on the principle of observing actions to improve motor function and learning. This approach is rooted in the concept of the mirror neuron system, a group of neurons that are activated both when a person performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others.
Recording with images of landscapes without the presence of any person or animal that could evoke MI or OA.
Sponsors
Study design
Masking description
Patients will receive 3 interventions: placebo, motor imagery and action observation
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Being over 18 years of age * Diagnoses of established stroke * Present limitations or motor response deficiencies in the upper limb * Maintain cognitive functions with the ability to follow the instructions of the interventions and evaluations (MOCA\>14)
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosed with mental illness before the stroke * Other systemic conditions on the central nervous system * Cardiorespiratory system pathologies in severe cases * Acute period, fever, muscle inflammation or myopathies * Any type of vascular and organic insufficiency * Liver disease or skin lesions in the area of application of the electrodes.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel Index | Administered once, typically taking a few minutes. | A general measure assessing patient independence, evaluating performance in basic daily activities (ADLs). |
| Upper Limb Functionality - Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) | Administration time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes. | Assesses upper limb functionality post-cortical injury, involving manipulation tasks with various objects. |
| Cognitive Impairment - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) | takes about 10 minutes for administration. | Evaluates mild cognitive dysfunctions across multiple domains, including attention, memory, language, and executive functions. |
| Perception Impairment - Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) | Duration varies based on the number and type of subtests administered. | Specific for occupational therapy in stroke patients, assessing visual, spatial, motor, and cognitive perception. |
| Mental Evocation Ability - Mental Evocation of Images, Movements, and Activities Questionnaire (CEMIMA) | Duration varies | Measures the ability to mentally form visual and kinesthetic images of the hand/upper limb. |
| Quality of Life Perception - Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16) | 5-10 minutes. | A self-report measure focusing on physical aspects including strength, hand function, mobility, and ADLs. |
| Electromyographic Activity During MI and AO | during the experimental setup | muscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Lesion | 1 minute | specific type of brain injury |
| Age | 1 minute | birth age |
| Time Since Injury | 1 minute | time since the participant had the brain injury or stroke. |
| gender | 1 minute | he gender with which the participant identifies |
| Marital Status | 1 minute | single, married, divorced |
| Education Level | 1 minute | he highest level of education |
| Economic Status | 1 minute | participant's economic |
| Affected Side | 1 minute | The side of the body affected by the stroke or injury |
| Dominant Side | 1 minute | The side of the body that is the participant's natural dominant side |
Countries
Spain