The Effect of Repetitive Facilitative Exercise Combined With Electromyography Biofeedback in Promoting Limb Function Rehabilitation in Patients With Post-Stroke Hemiplegia

Aims/Background: Hemiplegia is a common complication following a stroke, resulting in decreased motor function. Although various treatment options are available, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine the definitive superiority of any single treatment modality, and the effectiveness of using a single therapy remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of combining repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE) with electromyography (EMG) biofeedback in managing patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods: This retrospective study included 106 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia who were treated at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, China, between January 2022 and January 2024. Patients who received RFE alone were included in the RFE group (n = 51), while those who received the combination of RFE and EMG biofeedback treatment were included in the RFE+EMG group (n = 55). Both groups were treated continuously for 12 weeks. The limb function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA]), balance ability (Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Timed Up and Go Test [TUGT], 10-Meter Walk Test [10MWT]), and quality of life (Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale [SS-QOL]) were comparatively assessed between the two groups before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events throughout the treatment period was recorded for both groups. Results: After treatment, the FMA scores showed significant improvements in both groups compared to their pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). Notably, the RFE+EMG group exhibited significantly higher improvements in upper extremity, lower extremity and overall scores compared to the RFE group after treatment (p < 0.05). Following the intervention, both groups demonstrated a substantial increase in the BBS score compared to their scores before treatment (p < 0.05). In contrast, the TUGT and 10MWT were significantly shortened in both groups compared to their times before treatment (p < 0.05). Notably, the RFE+EMG group exhibited significantly higher BBS scores (p < 0.05) and significantly shorter TUGT and 10MWT times compared to the RFE group after treatment (p < 0.05). After treatment, the SS-QOL scores increased significantly in both groups compared to their scores before treatment (p < 0.05). Notably, the RFE+EMG group exhibited significantly higher scores in energy, family roles, language, mobility, mood, personality, self-care, social roles, thinking, upper extremity function, vision and work/productivity compared to the RFE group after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of RFE and EMG biofeedback shows promising effects in limb functional recovery, improving balance ability, and enhancing quality of life in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, while also demonstrating a favourable safety profile, with no severe adverse events reported.