Enhancing motor function after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of bioelectrical feedback interventions

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting approximately 80% of survivors with hemiplegia. A systematic review included 8 studies with 549 patients (275 intervention, 274 control) examining the effectiveness of electromyographic bioelectrical feedback for post-stroke hemiplegia. Bioelectrical feedback significantly improved Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores (by 9.50 points), activities of daily living scores (by 8.80 points), and motor subscale scores (by 6.83 points) compared to conventional therapy. Neurophysiological outcomes also improved, including greater EMG amplitude and larger active range of motion. Complications were significantly reduced by 54–67% in relative terms. Despite positive results, high heterogeneity between studies and a small number of studies per outcome (3–6) warrant cautious interpretation of the findings.