Balance Training with Electromyogram-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of balance training with electromyogram-triggered functional electrical stimulation (EMG-triggered FES) to improve static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle muscle activation in stroke patients. Forty-nine participants (>6 months after stroke) were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 24). The experimental group underwent balance training with EMG-triggered FES for 40 min a day, 5 days a week, for a 6-week period in addition to general rehabilitation. The control group underwent balance training without EMG-triggered FES along with conventional therapy. Outcome measures included static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, and leg muscle activation. The static and dynamic balance abilities were significantly improved after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05), although the experimental group showed considerably greater improvement than the control group (p < 0.05). Leg muscle activation on the affected side resulted in significant improvements in the experimental group (p < 0.05) when compared with baseline but not in the control group. Balance training with EMG-triggered FES is an acceptable and effective intervention to improve the static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle muscle activation in stroke patients.

Therapeutic Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength in Post-stroke Older Adults: A Review

“… 37 ) As balance ability is an important goal of stroke rehabilitation, a recent study reported that the combination of balance training with FES was is acceptable and effective in improving static and dynamic balance. 38 ) In a long-term follow-up randomized controlled trial over 12 months, FES showed similar effects to ankle-foot orthosis in all primary outcomes related to gait quality and function, suggesting that FES may be an appropriate alternative to orthosis for individuals with chronic stroke. 39 )…”

Effect of 6-Week Balance Exercise by Real-Time Postural Feedback System on Walking Ability for Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This is a critical theory that directly relates to improving muscle activity abnormalities that occur during walking in patients with stroke to improve walking. The effect of balance learning on gait improvement by electrical stimulation for patients with stroke as an approach to muscle response was recently reported [16]. This suggests that adjusting the response of muscle activity to posture changes can positively affect muscle exertion during walking, leading to improved walking.…”

Effects of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Prevention of Neurological and Cognitive Disorders- A Review Study

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