Editorial: Electromyography (EMG) Techniques for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Motor Impairment Following Stroke

Cliff S. Klein, Sheng Li, Xiaogang Hu, Xiaoyan Li
2018 Frontiers in Neurology  
The nineteen papers of the research topic Electromyography (EMG) Techniques for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Motor Impairment Following Stroke highlight a variety of ways that EMG may be used to better understand and treat stroke-induced brain damage. Seven papers addressed the impact of weekly training on EMG properties and function post-stroke, and one paper examined the effect of a robotic exoskeleton on gait during a single training session (Exercise/therapy interventions). Six of
more » ... e seven training studies were concerned with upper limb function (one of which also assessed corticomuscular coupling), and one examined the effect of foot drop stimulator training. The six upper limb studies used a variety of training modalities including Wii-based upper limb therapy (two papers from one group), EMG-driven robotic devices with or without neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (three papers), and traditional physical/occupational therapy (one paper). Another seven papers were focused on using EMG to examine motor impairment after stroke (Mechanisms of motor impairment). These included one study that addressed coupling between the index finger and thumb, whereas another addressed upper limb synergies during reaching. One paper examined EMG co-contraction during gait, and one addressed gait EMG during obstacle crossing. One group examined reticulospinal pathways during elbow flexor activity using startling acoustic stimulation. Another studied masticatory muscle activity following brainstem stroke. Finally, one group addressed coupling between the electroencephalogram (EEG) and EMG signals during upper limb movements. Four studies used novel EMG processing techniques to study motor control and impairment post-stroke (Novel EMG processing techniques). These included new approaches to intramuscular EMG decomposition, coherence of motor unit firing patterns from surface EMG, clustering index analysis of surface EMG, and pattern recognition from high density surface EMG. EXERCISE/THERAPY INTERVENTIONS A number of studies examined the effects of an exercise/therapy program, or a single exercise session, on EMG and motor function. Some also addressed the associated cortical plasticity.
doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.01122 pmid:30619073 pmcid:PMC6305436 fatcat:ek3sifg4bzchdovgmhoreem7r4