Effects of Vocalization on Upper Extremity Muscle Activity during Reaching Task in Patients with Hemiplegia

This study examined the effects of vocalization on upper extremity muscle activity during reaching task in patients with hemiplegia. Thirteen persons with right brain stroke performed reaching to a cup under four concurrent speech conditions of vocalizing the word "Ah" with hemiplegic side. These four conditions are self-vocalization, external vocalization, imaginary vocalization, and no vocalization. The muscle activity(Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii, Middle deltoid, and Upper trapezius) were measured using MP150. Muscle activity was significantly higher under self-vocalization and external vocalization conditions compared to the muscle activity under imaginary vocalization and no vocalization conditions on triceps brachii muscle.(p