Effect of sensory-amplitude electric stimulation on motor recovery and gait kinematics after stroke: a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of sensory-amplitude electric stimulation (SES) of the paretic leg on motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled, double-blind study.


METHODS
Rehabilitation ward and gait laboratory of a university hospital.


METHODS
A total of 30 consecutive inpatients with stroke (mean age, 63.2 y), all within 6 months poststroke and without volitional ankle dorsiflexion were studied.


METHODS
Both the SES group (n=15) and the placebo group (n=15) participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The SES group also received 30 minutes of SES to the paretic leg without muscle contraction 5 days a week for 4 weeks.


METHODS
Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery and time-distance and kinematic characteristics of gait.


RESULTS
Brunnstrom stages improved significantly in both groups (P<.05). In total, 58% of the SES group and 56% of the placebo group gained voluntary ankle dorsiflexion. The between-group difference of percentage change was not significant (P>.05). Gait kinematics was improved in both groups, but the between-group difference was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
In our patients with stroke, SES of the paretic leg was not superior to placebo in terms of lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics.
Yavuzer
Gunes
G
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. gunesyavuzer@hotmail.com
Oken
Oznur
O
Atay
Mesut B
MB
Stam
Henk J
HJ
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation