Neuromotor evaluation of the upper limb during activities of daily living: A pilot study

Abstract

Upper limb function impairment is one of the most common sequelae in stroke. Conventional evaluation methods, based on scales, do not provide an objective assessment of patient’s performance. A pilot study was conducted to characterize neuromotor biosignals of the upper limb, during activities of daily living (ADLs). We use BiosignalsPlux® device to monitor the contraction pattern of the shoulder muscles in five ADLs with different motor patterns, through electromyography. Thus, the main purpose of this article is to describe the results of the application of these sensors in the characterization of the contraction pattern of the shoulder muscles during ADLs performed by healthy subjects. The results shows that the pattern of contraction of the shoulder muscles differs between ADLs directed at the midline and directed at the contralateral side; presents different behaviors in distinct ADLs directed at the midline; as well as in ADLs directed to the contralateral side.