Effect of Scapulohumeral Rhythm Enhancing Training Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Scapular Alignment and Upper limb Function in Subacute Stroke Patients

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and scapulohumeral rhythm enhancing training (SRET) on scapular alignment, upper limb muscle activation, and muscle tone in subacute stroke patients. Methods This study included 23 subacute stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria at B Hospital, dividing them into an experimental group and a control group. A 50minute intervention was administered five times per week for six weeks. Scapular alignment was assessed using the lateral scapular slide test (LSST). Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the muscle activation of the anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid, while MyotonPRO was employed to evaluate the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and biceps brachii. Results The comparison between the two groups using LSST revealed a significant difference at the 0° position (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were found at the 45° and 90° positions. The EMG of the anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid showed no significant differences (p>0.05). However, the MyotonPRO results indicated significant differences in the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and biceps brachii (p<0.05). Conclusion The experimental group receiving NMES and SRET demonstrated significant improvements in scapular alignment at the 0° position and in the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and biceps brachii compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in the EMG of the anterior and posterior deltoids or in scapular alignment at the 45° and 90° positions. These findings suggest that NMES combined with SRET is effective in improving scapular alignment and muscle tone.