Immediate effects of electrical stimulation on serratus anterior muscle activity in people with stroke

Stroke is the sudden loss of neurological function caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.Upper limb impairment occurs in approximately 80% of stroke survivors.The scapula plays a central role in normal shoulder kinematics. Scapula on the thorax contributes to elevation of the arm by rotating the glenoid fossa upward.This motion is produced by a balanced force couple between trapezius and serratus anterior. Serratus anterior, because of its long moment arm generates more torque and has a dominant role in the force couple. Serratus anterior weakness can alter the scapular orientation and stability leading to pathological kinematics.Very few studies have focused on serratus anterior while training for upper extremity rehabilitation. Hence there is a need to focus on serratus anterior activity during upper extremity training in stroke population. Among many interventions, Electrical stimulation is proven to be useful for motor recovery post stroke.