Neuroprosthetic effect of peroneal nerve stimulation in multiple sclerosis: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the neuroprosthetic effect of a peroneal nerve stimulator on tasks of functional ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
A single point-in-time assessment of functional ambulation tasks under the conditions of no device and peroneal nerve stimulator.


METHODS
Outpatient academic medical center.


METHODS
Participants (N=11) with diagnosis of MS (>6mo), dorsiflexion weakness, and prior usage of an ankle-foot orthosis.


METHODS
Surface peroneal nerve stimulator for ambulation.


METHODS
Timed 25-foot Walk portion of the MS Functional Composite; Floor, Carpet, Up and Go, Obstacle, and Stair components of the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile.


RESULTS
Peroneal nerve stimulator-Stair performance was significantly enhanced (P=.05) versus no device, and statistical significance was approached for peroneal nerve stimulator-Obstacles (P=.09) versus no device. There were no significant differences between peroneal nerve stimulator and no device conditions in the remaining outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
The neuroprosthetic effect of the peroneal nerve stimulator is modest relative to no device in the performance of specific functional tasks of ambulation in MS gait. A longitudinal, controlled trial is needed to show effectiveness.
Sheffler
Lynne R
LR
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. lsheffler@metrohealth.org
Hennessey
Maureen T
MT
Knutson
Jayme S
JS
Chae
John
J
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*