EMG Analysis in ABI: Motor Imagery and Action

NCT06230718 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: MIAO
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study focuses on electromyographic analysis of upper limb muscle activation in stroke survivors during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) rehabilitation techniques. By measuring muscle activity in the wrist and finger flexors and extensors, the research seeks to understand the impact of MI and AO on motor function recovery post-stroke. Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study involves stroke survivors participating in a series of three experimental sessions. The analysis will correlate electromyographic responses with functional independence, limb functionality, and cognitive factors. The research aims to contribute to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, offering insights into effective rehabilitation methods for improving quality of life in stroke survivors.

Conditions

Stroke; Quality of Life; Mirror Movement

Keywords

Stroke rehabilitation; Electromyography; Neuroplasticity; Upper Linb; Neurorehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel Index

  A general measure assessing patient independence, evaluating performance in basic daily activities (ADLs).

  Administered once, typically taking a few minutes.

• Upper Limb Functionality - Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)

  Assesses upper limb functionality post-cortical injury, involving manipulation tasks with various objects.

  Administration time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.

• Cognitive Impairment - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

  Evaluates mild cognitive dysfunctions across multiple domains, including attention, memory, language, and executive functions.

  takes about 10 minutes for administration.

• Perception Impairment - Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA)

  Specific for occupational therapy in stroke patients, assessing visual, spatial, motor, and cognitive perception.

  Duration varies based on the number and type of subtests administered.

• Mental Evocation Ability - Mental Evocation of Images, Movements, and Activities Questionnaire (CEMIMA)

  Measures the ability to mentally form visual and kinesthetic images of the hand/upper limb.

  Duration varies

• Quality of Life Perception - Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16)

  A self-report measure focusing on physical aspects including strength, hand function, mobility, and ADLs.

  5-10 minutes.

• Electromyographic Activity During MI and AO

  muscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors.

  during the experimental setup

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Age

  1 minute

• gender

  1 minute

• Marital Status

  1 minute

• Education Level

  1 minute

• Economic Status

  1 minute

Study Arms (1)

Intervention group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures 1. Placebo control 2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator 3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations

Other: Motor Imagery (MI); Other: Action Observation (AO); Other: Control condition- placebo

Interventions

Motor Imagery (MI) OTHER

mental process where an individual visualizes or imagines themselves performing a movement without actually executing it physically. This cognitive process involves the mental rehearsal of motor actions, engaging similar neural pathways that are used when physically performing the action.

Intervention group

Action Observation (AO) OTHER

rehabilitation technique based on the principle of observing actions to improve motor function and learning. This approach is rooted in the concept of the mirror neuron system, a group of neurons that are activated both when a person performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others.

Intervention group

Control condition- placebo OTHER

Recording with images of landscapes without the presence of any person or animal that could evoke MI or OA.

Intervention group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 99 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Data collection forms include gender identity questions, and the gender identity is sellf-determined by participants
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Being over 18 years of age
• Diagnoses of established stroke
• Present limitations or motor response deficiencies in the upper limb
• Maintain cognitive functions with the ability to follow the instructions of the interventions and evaluations (MOCA\>14)

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosed with mental illness before the stroke
• Other systemic conditions on the central nervous system
• Cardiorespiratory system pathologies in severe cases
• Acute period, fever, muscle inflammation or myopathies
• Any type of vascular and organic insufficiency
• Liver disease or skin lesions in the area of application of the electrodes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Salamanca: lead

Study Sites (1)

Universidad de Salmanca

Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Beatriz María Bermejo Gil, Dr

CONTACT

622289468; beatriz.bermejo@usal.es

Ana MAría Martín Nogueras, Dr

CONTACT

677510296; anamar@usal.es

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Patients will receive 3 interventions: placebo, motor imagery and action observation
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 19, 2024
• First Posted: January 30, 2024
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: January 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 30, 2027
• Last Updated: October 7, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-10

Locations

ES (1)