Kinesthetic perception feedback therapy using electromyography for severe upper limb motor paralysis after stroke

―Toward the establishment of a step-by-step treatment strategy―

Abstract

We developed and systematized a therapy for motor paralysis based on kinesthetic illusion by visual stimulation. Additionally, we provide evidence on the clinical efficacy of a Passively-induced Kinesthetic Illusion therapy (P-KI therapy) that does not require voluntary effort and can be applied to patients with the most severe upper limb motor paralyses after stroke. Some patients improve motor function after P-KI therapy, but may have difficulty transitioning to the next level of the treatment such as functional electrical stimulation. For this type of patients, we have also developed a Voluntary-controlled Kinesthetic Illusion therapy (V-KI therapy), which is a kinesthetic perception feedback therapy in which the patient plays with a virtual body driven by electromyography. In one patient with upper limb motor paralysis after stroke, V-KI therapy was applied, resulting in improved motor function.