Use of Augmented Reality-Based Training with EMG-Triggered Functional Electric Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation

[Purpose] This study investigated the therapeutic effects of augmented reality (AR)-based EMG-triggered functional electric stimulation (FES) on stroke patients receiving rehabilitation. [Methods] Ten subjects who were in the chronic phase following stroke were divided into two groups for: ankle dorsiflexion with AR-based EMG-triggered FES (Experimental group, n=5), and EMG-triggered FES alone (Control group, n=5). Experimental subjects received ankle dorsiflexion with AR-based EMG-triggered FES for 20 minutes per day, 5 times per week over a 4 week period. Muscle activation, ankle range of motion and muscle strength were measured to identify the effect of the AR training environment with EMG-triggered FES. [Results] The muscle activation of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius (GCM), as measured by EMG, the improvement was increased significantly after the intervention compared to before within the experimental groups of the tibialis anterior(TA), and the improvement was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Muscle strength of the tibialis anterior (TA) and GCM in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were significantly greater post-intervention in the experimental group. [Conclusion] The results of this study provide evidence in support of incorporating an AR environment into ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the improvement of muscle activity, and strength of chronic phase stroke patients.