Alterations in intermuscular coordination underlying isokinetic exercise after a stroke and their implications on neurorehabilitation

Abstract Background Abnormal intermuscular coordination limits the motor capability of stroke-affected upper limbs. By evaluating in affected limb under various biomechanical task constraints, impact a stroke on control can be analyzed and coordination-based rehabilitation strategies developed. In this study, we investigated after during isokinetic movements. Methods Sixteen chronic survivors eight neurologically intact individuals were recruited. End-point forces electromyographic activities shoulder elbow muscles measured while participants performed movements three-dimensional space. Intermuscular was quantified form muscle synergies. Then, compared number, composition, activation coefficients synergies end-point force between groups. The correlation alteration level impairment investigated. Results Four five groups observed, respectively. composition comparable groups, except that three heads deltoid co-activated formed one synergy group, whereas those two group. When number matched, observed both Alternatively, modulation altered stroke. severity impairments negatively correlated with similarity post-stroke respect to mean Conclusions Stroke-affected limbs seemed modularize fairly similar way Compared free (i.e., unconstrained) movement, exercise constraints including constraint might promote independently survivors. We postulated effect suggested possible protocol provides appropriate trainee throughout progress rehabilitation.