Electromyography of the upper limb muscles of patients with hemiparesis using Mirror Therapy.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze muscle electrical activity during the performance of the Mirror Therapy with the upper limb of paretic subjects with stroke. This is a quantitative character study. Participated in this survey ten users of SORRI - BAURU Rehabilitation Center with stroke history for at least six months with hemiparesis sequel. Data collection was formed by the application of the Modified Ashworth Scale and electromyographic evaluation of the affected upper limb in the following muscles: abductor pollicis brevis, flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi ulnaris, biceps and triceps. The analysis of the EMG signal was performed in specific routines developed in Matlab (Mathworks®) and statistical analysis was applied using ANOVA for repeated measures, adopting the significance level of p<0.05. Significant differences were found on the data for abductor pollicis brevis (p = 0.005); flexor carpi radialis (p=0.032); biceps (p=0.002) and triceps (p=0.024), probably due to an adjustment of tone during the course of mirror therapy, however, it is still necessary to carry out studies comparing these data before and after the intervention using the technique in search of a more effective motor recovery member affected.