title: Dual-channel functional electrical stimulation improvements in speed-based gait classifications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is becoming an accepted treatment method for enhancing gait performance in patients who present with gait difficulties resulting from hemiparesis. The purpose of this study was to test whether individuals with hemiparesis who have varied gait speeds, which place them in different functional categories, benefit to the same extent from the application of FES.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six subjects with chronic hemiparesis demonstrating foot-drop and deficits in knee and/or hip control were fitted with a dual-channel FES system activating the dorsiflexors and hamstring muscles. Gait was assessed during a 2-minute walk test with and without stimulation. A second assessment was conducted after 6 weeks of daily use. Analysis was performed with the subjects stratified into three functional ambulation classes according to their initial gait categories.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The dual-channel FES improved the gait velocity of all three subgroups. No minimal gait velocity was required in order to gain benefits from FES. For example, subjects with limited household ambulation capabilities improved their gait speed by 63.3% (from 0.30 ± 0.09 m/sec to 0.49 ± 0.20 m/sec; P < 0.01), while subjects with functional community ambulation capabilities improved their gait speed by 25.5% (from 0.90 ± 0.11 m/sec to 1.13 ± 0.22 m/sec; P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dual-channel FES positively affects gait velocity in patients with chronic hemiparesis, regardless of their initial gait velocity. Furthermore, gait velocity gains may be large enough to change an individual's ambulation status to a higher functional category.
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
authors: Shmuel
authors: S
authors: Springer
authors: Yocheved
authors: Y
authors: Laufer
authors: Meni
authors: M
authors: Becher
authors: Jean-Jacques
authors: JJ
authors: Vatine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D010291:Paresis / Q000628:therapy*; D016138:Walking
keywords: ambulation; functional electrical stimulation; gait velocity; hemiparesis