Movement and muscle activation patterns of the shoulder girdle after stroke

Abstract

A proper and pain free shoulder function is essential for accurate performance of daily activities and contributes to daily life autonomy and quality of life. The brain damage underlying a stroke results in several motor impairments such as muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, pathological muscle synergies and altered temporal muscle activity. At the level of the shoulder complex, these impairments may specifically hamper scapulohumeral control, i.e. the adaptation of scapular position and movement according to the humeral position. Reduced scapulohumeral control is known to contribute to the difficulties individuals with stroke (IwS) experience when moving their paretic arm. Upper limb rehabilitation after stroke could benefit from specific training to enhance scapular positioning and movement control. However, such therapy planning firstly requires an extensive evaluation of the scapulothoracic joint. ...