A multicenter trial of a footdrop stimulator controlled by a tilt sensor.
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy and acceptance of a footdrop stimulator controlled by a tilt sensor.


METHODS
A nonrandomized, test-retest study of 26 subjects with footdrop of more than 1 year's duration, resulting from various central nervous system disorders, was performed in 4 centers for at least 3 months. Speed of walking in a straight line, speed around a figure of 8, and physiological cost index (PCI) were measured with and without the device. Hours/day and steps/day using the device were recorded.


RESULTS
All but 2 subjects used the tilt sensor at home, rather than a foot switch. Walking speed increased by 15% after 3 months (n = 26; P < 0.01), 32% after 6 months (n = 16; P < 0.01), and 47% after 12 months (n = 8; P < 0.05), while PCI decreased. The number of steps taken per day of use increased significantly over time, and increased speed was directly correlated with usage. Walking speed also increased with the stimulator off, but to a lesser extent, indicating a training effect. Subject feedback from a questionnaire indicated satisfaction with the stimulator.


CONCLUSIONS
Both efficacy and acceptance of the stimulator were good in a population of subjects with chronic footdrop.
Stein
Richard B
RB
Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Richard.stein@ualberta.ca
Chong
Suling
S
Everaert
Dirk G
DG
Rolf
Robert
R
Thompson
Aiko K
AK
Whittaker
Maura
M
Robertson
Jenny
J
Fung
Joyce
J
Preuss
Richard
R
Momose
Kimito
K
Ihashi
Kouji
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology