title: A multicenter trial of a footdrop stimulator controlled by a tilt sensor.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Richard.stein@ualberta.ca
authors.forename: Richard B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Suling
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Dirk G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Everaert
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rolf
authors.forename: Aiko K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Whittaker
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Preuss
authors.forename: Kimito
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Momose
authors.forename: Kouji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ihashi
mesh_terms: 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