The present study investigates the influence of EMG-triggered electrostimulation (EMG-ES) on spastic hemiparesis following stroke in comparison to conventional electrotherapy and to mototherapy (MT, physiotherapy and occupational therapy). We present a study on 44 patients, who were treated for 4 to 16 weeks. At the onset of therapy, duration of anamnesis was 6 weeks (1 to 9 weeks, 3 special cases with a duration of 1, 2,5 and 8 years). Group I (EMG-ES plus MT): n = 22, group II (conventional electrotherapy); n = 12, group III (MT alone): n = 10. Following therapy, all the patients of the three groups showed a distinct reduction of spasticity, as evaluated by the modified Ashworth-scale and the pendulum test. In addition, an increase of contraction force was observed as well as an improvement of voluntary movement, measured by a hand-held myometer and ADL-scores (Barthel, FIM), and, following therapy, life quality was estimated higher by all patients using the well-being scale of von Zerssen. With regard to reduction of spasticity, the combination of electrotherapy plus MT proved to be superior to MT alone, with no statistically significant difference between both types of electrotherapy. With regard to the improvement of force and mobility, EMG-triggered electrostimulation proved to be superior to the other groups, and good results were seen even in the three special cases. EMG-triggered electrostimulation, as investigated in the present form, can be recommended as a valuable additive method in rehabilitation of stroke, even when the event occurred years ago.

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