title: The effects of dual-channel functional electrical stimulation on stance phase sagittal kinematics in patients with hemiparesis.
abstract: Sixteen subjects (aged 54.2 ± 14.1 years) with hemiparesis (7.9 ± 7.1 years since diagnosis) demonstrating a foot-drop and hamstrings muscle weakness were fitted with a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system activating the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles. Measurements of gait performance were collected after a conditioning period of 6 weeks, during which the subjects used the system throughout the day. Gait was assessed with and without the dual-channel FES system, as well as with peroneal stimulation alone. Outcomes included lower limb kinematics and the step length taken with the non-paretic leg. Results with the dual-channel FES indicate that in the subgroup of subjects who demonstrated reduced hip extension but no knee hyperextension (n = 9), hamstrings FES increased hip extension during terminal stance without affecting the knee. Similarly, in the subgroup of subjects who demonstrated knee hyperextension but no limitation in hip extension (n = 7), FES restrained knee hyperextension without having an impact on hip movement. Additionally, step length was increased in all subjects. The peroneal FES had a positive effect only on the ankle. The results suggest that dual-channel FES for the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles may affect lower limb control beyond that which can be attributed to peroneal stimulation alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, The Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, The University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Springer
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vatine
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Yocheved
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Laufer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010291:Paresis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome