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EMG Analysis in ABI: Motor Imagery and Action

Upper Limb Electromyographic Response to Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Acquired Brain Injury Patients.

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06230718
Enrollment
28
Registered
2024-01-30
Start date
2024-01-01
Completion date
2027-01-30
Last updated
2025-10-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stroke, Quality of Life, Mirror Movement

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.

OTHERControl condition- placebo

Recording with images of landscapes without the presence of any person or animal that could evoke MI or OA.

Sponsors

University of Salamanca
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

Patients will receive 3 interventions: placebo, motor imagery and action observation

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

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

MeasureTime frameDescription
Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel IndexAdministered 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 variesMeasures 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 AOduring the experimental setupmuscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Type of Lesion1 minutespecific type of brain injury
Age1 minutebirth age
Time Since Injury1 minutetime since the participant had the brain injury or stroke.
gender1 minutehe gender with which the participant identifies
Marital Status1 minutesingle, married, divorced
Education Level1 minutehe highest level of education
Economic Status1 minuteparticipant's economic
Affected Side1 minuteThe side of the body affected by the stroke or injury
Dominant Side1 minuteThe side of the body that is the participant's natural dominant side

Countries

Spain

Contacts

Primary ContactBeatriz María Bermejo Gil, Dr
beatriz.bermejo@usal.es622289468
Backup ContactAna MAría Martín Nogueras, Dr
anamar@usal.es677510296

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026