Effects of a functional electrical stimulation-assisted leg-cycling wheelchair on reducing spasticity of patients after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether short-term propulsion of a functional electrical stimulation-assisted leg-cycling wheelchair (FES-LW) in patients with stroke can reduce spasticity of the affected leg and whether FES has additional effects on reducing spasticity.


METHODS
Within-subject comparison.


METHODS
A total of 17 patients after stroke were recruited from the university hospital.


METHODS
Subjects propelled 2 leg-cycling wheelchairs (the FES-LW and the LW) and a manual wheelchair along an oval pathway. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), H reflex/maximal M response (H/M ratio) and relaxation index were used to evaluate the immediate effects on leg spasticity. The changes in MAS, H/M and relaxation index were used to evaluate the effect of FES in comparing 2 leg-cycling wheelchairs.


RESULTS
The MAS and H/M ratio were significantly decreased and the relaxation index significantly increased by FES-LW and LW usage. For subjects with higher muscle tone, significant lowering of the changes in MAS, H/M ratio and higher relaxation index were found for FES-LW usage compared with LW usage.


CONCLUSIONS
Leg spasticity is reduced after short-term propulsion of the FES-LW and LW. The application of FES has an additional effect on reducing spasticity in subjects with higher muscle tone.
Lo
Hsin-Chang
HC
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Tsai
Kuen-Horng
KH
Su
Fong-Chin
FC
Chang
Guang-Liang
GL
Yeh
Chun-Yu
CY
D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014910:Wheelchairs