Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: May | Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 156-161
Electrophysiological Study to Evaluate Cross Education in Lower Extremity Using Mirror Movements in Stroke
Dr. Meruna Bose1, Dr. Soniya Chhibber2, Dr. Shrutika Parab3
1Associate Professor and Head of Department, 2Post-Graduate Alumni, 3Assistant Professor,
Department of Neuro-Physiotherapy, MGM School of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
Corresponding Author: Dr. Meruna Bose
ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate cross education effect in paretic and non-paretic lower limb while performing movements with and without mirror in chronic stroke patients.
Background: Cerebrovascular stroke causes impairments of motor function in lower extremity leading to restrictions in functional mobility. There is paucity of literature on cross education in stroke patients. Present study was designed explore effects of cross education effects in lower extremity, and also to evaluate if visual feedback with mirror augments recruitment.
Methodology: Study commenced after an ethical approval from MGM Institutional Ethical Review Committee. 30 stroke subjects fulfilling inclusion criteria participated in study. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject. Each participant performed 3 trials of 2 functional concentric movements (Knee extension, Heel slide). Surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded for vastus medialis and vastus lateralis for knee extension, hamstrings and quadriceps for heel slide on both paretic and non-paretic lower limb. Spasticity was assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale, cognition by Mini-Mental Scale and motor function by Fugl Meyer scale.
Results: Muscle activity was noted in paretic extremity during performance of concentric functional movement. There was low to moderate non-significant correlation of muscle activity of non-paretic limb to paretic limb during concentric movement (p>0.05). Results indicate trend towards improvement in level of muscle recruitment in agonist muscle with visual feedback when compared to activity without mirror (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Present study indicates a preliminary evidence of cross education effect with concentric functional movements in stroke and indicates that visual feedback augments cross education.
Key words: Cross Education, Stroke, Mirror movements, Visual feedback.