Gait training of patients after stroke using an electromechanical gait trainer combined with simultaneous functional electrical stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
This case report describes the implementation of gait training intervention that used an electromechanical gait trainer with simultaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) for 2 patients with acute ischemic stroke.


METHODS
Two individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia of less than 6 weeks' duration participated in a 4-week gait training program as an adjunct to physical therapy received at a hospital. After the 4-week intervention, both patients were discharged from the hospital, and they returned after 6 months for a follow-up evaluation.


RESULTS
By the end of the 4-week intervention, both patients had shown improvements in scores on the Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Categories Scale, 5-m timed walking test, and Motricity Index. In the 6-month follow-up evaluation, both patients continued to have improvements in all outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report shows that, following the use of an electromechanical gait trainer simultaneously with FES, patients after acute stroke had improvements in gait performance, functional activities, balance, and motor control in the long term.
Tong
Raymond K Y
RK
Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. k.y.tong@polyu.edu.hk
Ng
Maple F W
MF
Li
Leonard S W
LS
So
Elaine F M
EF
D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome