EMG Analysis in ABI: Motor Imagery and Action

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Stroke; Mirror Movement; Quality of Life
• Interventions: Other: Motor Imagery (MI); Other: Action Observation (AO); Other: Control condition- placebo

• Registration Number: NCT06230718
• Lead Sponsor: University of Salamanca

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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-01
• Study Start: 2024-01-01
• Study First Submitted: 2024-01-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-01-19
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-01-29
• Study First Posted: 2024-01-30
• Last Update Posted: 2024-01-31
• Primary Completion: 2025-01-30
• Study Completion: 2025-01-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 28

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Intervention group	Control condition- placebo	The intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures 1. Placebo control 2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator 3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations
Intervention group	Action Observation (AO)	The intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures 1. Placebo control 2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator 3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations
Intervention group	Motor Imagery (MI)	The intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures 1. Placebo control 2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator 3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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.
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.
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.
Electromyographic Activity During MI and AO	during the experimental setup	muscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors.
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.
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).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Age	1 minute	birth age
Affected Side	1 minute	The side of the body affected by the stroke or injury
Type of Lesion	1 minute	specific type of brain injury
Education Level	1 minute	he highest level of education
gender	1 minute	he gender with which the participant identifies
Economic Status	1 minute	participant's economic
Dominant Side	1 minute	The side of the body that is the participant's natural dominant side
Time Since Injury	1 minute	time since the participant had the brain injury or stroke.
Marital Status	1 minute	single, married, divorced

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Universidad de Salmanca; 🇪🇸 Salamanca, Spain