The effectiveness of physiotherapy with the use of biofeedback in improving upper limb function in stroke survivors

Background
Stroke often leads to significant im- pairments in upper limb function, negatively im- pacting patients' independence and quality of life. Rehabilitation strategies incorporating biofeed- back have gained attention for their potential to enhance motor recovery by providing real-time feedback and promoting neuroplasticity.

Aims
The main aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy using biofeedback in the rehabilitation of the upper limb in a group of patients after a stroke.

Material and methods
The study involved 36 patients who had been diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last year. Measurement of results, conducted before and after therapy using biofeedback, included parameters such as cylindrical grip strength, assessment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) protocol, and evaluation using a questionnaire specifically designed for the study. This questionnaire aimed to determine the subjective level of functionality of the upper limb directly affected by the cerebrovascular incident.

Results
The obtained results demonstrated a beneficial effect of biofeedback therapy on the parameters of cylindrical grip strength in the umper limb affected directly by the stroke (p<0.01). Improvement was also observed in the assessment of functional ability using the FMA-UE (p<0.001), as well as in the subjective evaluation of difficulty in performing daily activities related to selected motor tasks and in the subjective assessment of strength and overall functionality within the examined upper limb (p<0.05).

Conclusions
Physiotherapy using biofeedback is an effective method for improving the functionality of the upper limb after a stroke.