Response of sagittal plane gait kinematics to weight-supported treadmill training and functional neuromuscular stimulation following stroke.
After stroke, persistent gait deficits cause debilitating falls and poor functional mobility. Gait restoration can preclude these outcomes. Sixteen subjects (>12 months poststroke) were randomized to two gait training groups. Group 1 received 12 weeks of treatment, 4 times a week, 90 min per session, including 30 min strengthening and coordination, 30 min over-ground gait training, and 30 min weight-supported treadmill training. Group 2 received the same treatment, but also used functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) with intramuscular (IM) electrodes (FNS-IM) for each aspect of treatment. Outcome measures were kinematics of gait swing phase. Both groups showed no significant pre-/posttreatment gains in peak swing hip flexion. Group 1 (no FNS) had no significant gains in other gait components at posttreatment or at follow-up. Group 2 (FNS-IM) had significant gains in peak swing knee flexion and mid-swing ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.05) that were maintained for 6 months.
Daly
Janis J
JJ
Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. jjd17@case.edu
Roenigk
Kristen L
KL
Butler
Kristen M
KM
Gansen
Jennifer L
JL
Fredrickson
Eric
E
Marsolais
E Byron
EB
Rogers
Jean
J
Ruff
Robert L
RL
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation