scholarly journals Effects of Gait Training Using Functional Electrical Stimulation on Stroke Patients' Balance and Gait Velocity

Author(s):  
Kwon-Young Kang ◽  
Wan-Suk Choi ◽  
Ho-Jung An ◽  
Ja-Pung Koo ◽  
Joon-Hee Lee ◽  
...  
Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 3399
Author(s):  
Andreas Schicketmueller ◽  
Juliane Lamprecht ◽  
Marc Hofmann ◽  
Michael Sailer ◽  
Georg Rose

Functional electrical stimulation and robot-assisted gait training are techniques which are used in a clinical routine to enhance the rehabilitation process of stroke patients. By combining these technologies, therapy effects could be further improved and the rehabilitation process can be supported. In order to combine these technologies, a novel algorithm was developed, which aims to extract gait events based on movement data recorded with inertial measurement units. In perspective, the extracted gait events can be used to trigger functional electrical stimulation during robot-assisted gait training. This approach offers the possibility of equipping a broad range of potential robot-assisted gait trainers with functional electrical stimulation. In particular, the aim of this study was to test the robustness of the previously developed algorithm in a clinical setting with patients who suffered a stroke. A total amount of N = 10 stroke patients participated in the study, with written consent. The patients were assigned to two different robot-assisted gait trainers (Lyra and Lokomat) according to their performance level, resulting in five recording sessions for each gait-trainer. A previously developed algorithm was applied and further optimized in order to extract the gait events. A mean detection rate across all patients of 95.8% ± 7.5% for the Lyra and 98.7% ± 2.6% for the Lokomat was achieved. The mean type 1 error across all patients was 1.0% ± 2.0% for the Lyra and 0.9% ± 2.3% for the Lokomat. As a result, the developed algorithm was robust against patient specific movements, and provided promising results for the further development of a technique that can detect gait events during robot-assisted gait training, with the future aim to trigger functional electrical stimulation.


2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadej Bajd ◽  
Marincek Crt ◽  
Marko Munih

The review investigates the objective evidences of benefits derived from surface functional electrical stimulation (FES) of lower and upper extremities for people after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. FES can offer noticeable benefits in walking ability. It can be efficiently combined with treadmill and body weight support. Voluntary muscle strength and endurance gain can be achieved through FES assisted gait training together with increased gait velocity in absence of electrical stimulator. Cyclic FES, FES augmented by biofeedback, and FES used in various daily activities can result in substantial improvements of the voluntary control of upper extremities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-144
Author(s):  
Maijke van Bloemendaal ◽  
Sicco A. Bus ◽  
Frans Nollet ◽  
Alexander C. H. Geurts ◽  
Anita Beelen

Background. Many stroke survivors suffer from leg muscle paresis, resulting in asymmetrical gait patterns, negatively affecting balance control and energy cost. Interventions targeting asymmetry early after stroke may enhance recovery of walking. Objective. To determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of up to 10 weeks of gait training assisted by multichannel functional electrical stimulation (MFES gait training) applied to the peroneal nerve and knee flexor or extensor muscle on the recovery of gait symmetry and walking capacity in patients starting in the subacute phase after stroke. Methods. Forty inpatient participants (≤31 days after stroke) were randomized to MFES gait training (experimental group) or conventional gait training (control group). Gait training was delivered in 30-minute sessions each workday. Feasibility was determined by adherence (≥75% sessions) and satisfaction with gait training (score ≥7 out of 10). Primary outcome for efficacy was step length symmetry. Secondary outcomes included other spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking capacity (Functional Gait Assessment and 10-Meter Walk Test). Linear mixed models estimated treatment effect postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results. Thirty-seven participants completed the study protocol (19 experimental group participants). Feasibility was confirmed by good adherence (90% of the participants) and participant satisfaction (median score 8). Both groups improved on all outcomes over time. No significant group differences in recovery were found for any outcome. Conclusions. MFES gait training is feasible early after stroke, but MFES efficacy for improving step length symmetry, other spatiotemporal gait parameters, or walking capacity could not be demonstrated. Trial Registration. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4762).


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