LEIPZIG — A 5-year research study of 50 patients has revealed that
electromyography (EMG) provides effective training for post-stroke
rehabilitation, according to an investigator from Hong Kong.
Raymond K.Y. Tong, PhD, of the Department of Health Technology at the
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented his research, here, at the 13th
ISPO World Congress.
The device in his study fits over the hand, almost like a glove, to
assist the patient in moving objects. He presented two case studies that
included moving a sponge from one area to another. The device improved both
patients’ release.
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| Raymond K. Y. Tong | |
Using these robotic devices, with the assistance of a therapist, a
post-stroke patient can experience a new kind of safe and intensive
rehabilitation, he said.
“Patients operate the system using their own EMG signals,”
Tong said. “We have the motor to drive the system which will help the
patients.”
The two cases studies presented here included a woman, 3 years
post-stroke, and a man 12 years after his stroke.
In Tong’s study, all 50 patients underwent wrist and elbow training
using the robotic system. In their results, they found that this type of
interactive training could augment the recovery of motor functions.
He emphasized the importance of active initiation and participation in
the success of this rehabilitation.
Additionally, during his presentation Tong was asked about the safety of
the device and if it had limits of force so as not to crush the hand of the
user. He explained that there is a minimum and maximum range specifically to
address this safety concern.
