Quantitative evaluation of post-stroke upper limb spasticity based on multi-parameter surface electromyography signal analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the application value of multi-parameter surface electromyography (sEMG) combined with Motor Status Scale (MSS) score in the evaluation of post-stroke upper limb spasticity. METHODS: 42 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity were enrolled in a self-controlled study design. All patients received routine neurological treatment and rehabilitation training. The integrated electromyographic value (iEMG), root mean square (RMS) value, median frequency (MF), and mean power frequency (MPF) were analyzed, and the co-contraction ratio (CR) was calculated. RESULTS: After treatment, the iEMG, RMS, MF, and MPF values of the forearm flexor and extensor muscle groups significantly increased in the 42 patients (P < 0.05). At rest, the RMS and iEMG values of the affected forearm flexor and extensor muscles were significantly higher than those of the unaffected side and the healthy control group (P < 0.05). During active movement, the RMS and iEMG values of the affected muscles were significantly lower than those of the unaffected side and the healthy control group (P < 0.05). The total MSS score was significantly increased compared with that before treatment (P < 0.001). sEMG parameters were negatively correlated with balance function parameters (P < 0.05). The modified Ashworth Scale assessment showed that the total effective rate was 95.24%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve values of iEMG, RMS, MF, and MPF for evaluating the efficacy were 0.748, 0.731, 0.737, and 0.826, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Multi-parameter sEMG analysis combined with MSS score can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the functional status of post-stroke upper limb spasticity.