Myoelectric Analysis of Dynamic Spring-Loaded Orthosis Training for Individuals With Stroke

Muscular contraction significantly increased during dynamic orthosis use. The efficacy of the dynamic orthosis in muscle strength training (concentric resistance training of finger flexors and eccentric resistance training of finger extensors) for stroke patients was supported. Plain-Language Summary: People who have experienced a stroke have insufficient voluntary movement that is usually accompanied by spasticity, weakness, and abnormal muscle coactivation. This study explored muscular activity and muscular coactivation for stroke patients using a dynamic spring-loaded hand orthosis that was designed to assist patients' finger movements via a steel wire spring. The study found that muscular contraction significantly increased when the dynamic orthosis was worn than when it was not worn during grasp-and-release tasks. The study results support the efficacy of the dynamic orthosis in muscle strength training for stroke patients. Dexterous movement improvements will contribute to achieving functional independence for poststroke patients.