The orthotic effect of functional electrical stimulation on the improvement of walking in stroke patients with a dropped foot: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Analysis of the available evidence on the improvement of walking in stroke patients with a dropped foot when using peroneus stimulation.


METHODS
A systematic review was performed to identify trials that investigated the orthotic effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on walking in stroke patients with a dropped foot. Two independent raters scored the methodological quality of the included articles. Walking speed and physiological cost index (PCI) were selected as the primary outcome measures. Studies that measured walking speed were pooled and a pooled difference including confidence interval was calculated.


RESULTS
Eight studies were included in the review, of which one was a randomized controlled trial. Methodological score ranged from 8 to 18 out of 19. Six studies measured walking speed. The pooled improvement in walking speed was 0.13 m/s (0.07-0.2) or 38% (22.18-53.8).


CONCLUSIONS
The present review suggests a positive orthotic effect of functional electrical stimulation on walking speed.
Kottink
Anke I R
AI
Roessingh Research and Development, PO Box 310, 7500 AH Enschede, the Netherlands. a.kottink@rrd.nl
Oostendorp
Linda J M
LJ
Buurke
Jacob H
JH
Nene
Anand V
AV
Hermens
Hermanus J
HJ
IJzerman
Maarten J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology