Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of horizontal multi-joint arm continuous passive motion (CPM) training on muscle tension and strength of biceps brachii of patients with stroke. Methods 60 patients with stroke were divided into treatment group (n=30) and control group (n=30). All the patients accepted routine medication and rehabilitation. The treatment group accepted horizontal multi-joint arm CPM training in addition. Their surface electromyography of biceps brachii was analyzed with surface electromyography analysis system: tension and strength before and after treatment. Results The tension and strength of biceps brachii improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The horizontal multi-joint arm CPM training may relieve the muscle tension and enhance the strength of biceps brachii after stroke

Key words: stroke, upper limbs, continuous passive motion, muscle strength, muscle tension, surface electromyography