Functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses provide equivalent therapeutic effects on foot drop: A meta-analysis providing direction for future research

Prenton, Sarah; Hollands, Kristen; Kenney, Laurence; Onmanee, Pornsuree

doi:10.2340/16501977-2289

Cited by 38 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…Although the study was published in 2013, the authors only included the studies published until 2011. In recent years, two meta-analyses 11,12 have been carried out which aimed at comparing the therapeutic effects of ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation on drop foot in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In these reviews, stroke was considered along with other CNS diseases, and anklefoot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation were found to have the same effects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses on walking speed in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

et al. 2019

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ankle-foot orthoses on speed walking in patients with stroke. Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CENTRAL, PEDro, RehabData, RECAL, and ProQuest were searched from inception until 30 September 2019. Review methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline statement. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Begg’s test and Egger’s regression method were used to assess the publication bias. Trim and fill analysis was also used to adjust any potential publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of individual studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Results: Overall, 14 studies were included with a total of 1186 participants. A small-to-moderate and non-significant improvement in favor of the ankle-foot orthosis versus without ankle-foot orthosis (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = −0.15 to 0.96), similar effects of ankle-foot orthosis and functional electrical stimulation (SMD = 0.00, 95% confidence interval = −0.16 to 0.16), and a small and non-significant improvement in favor of ankle-foot orthosis versus another type of ankle-foot orthosis (SMD = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = −0.05 to 0.49) in walking speed were found. However, the quality of evidence for all comparisons was low or very low. Conclusion: Despite reported positive effects in some studies, there is no firm evidence of any benefit of ankle-foot orthoses on walking speed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses on walking speed in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

et al. 2019

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“…Assistive devices to improve gait function with drop foot include orthoses as well as surface and implantable devices for electrical stimulation [17]. Orthoses and electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve can both be considered safe in their (long-term) use in chronic stroke patients and were reported to facilitate clinically important changes in gait speed [18] and activity level [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The long-term effects of an implantable drop foot stimulator on gait in hemiparetic patients

et al. 2019

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Drop foot is a frequent abnormality in gait after central nervous system lesions. Different treatment strategies are available to functionally restore dorsal extension during swing phase in gait. Orthoses as well as surface and implantable devices for electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve may be used in patients who do not regain good dorsal extension. While several studies investigated the effects of implanted systems on walking speed and gait endurance, only a few studies have focussed on the system’s impact on kinematics and long-term outcomes. Therefore, our aim was to further investigate the effects of the implanted system ActiGait on gait kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters for the first time with a 1-year follow-up period. 10 patients were implanted with an ActiGait stimulator, with 8 patients completing baseline and follow-up assessments. Assessments included a 10-m walking test, video-based gait analysis and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for health status. At baseline, gait analysis was performed without any assistive device as well as with surface electrical stimulation. At follow-up patients walked with the ActiGait system switched off and on. The maximum dorsal extension of the ankle at initial contact increased significantly between baseline without stimulation and follow-up with ActiGait (p = 0.018). While the spatio-temporal parameters did not seem to change much with the use of ActiGait in convenient walking speed, patients did walk faster when using surface stimulation or ActiGait compared to no stimulation at the 10-m walking test at their fastest possible walking speed. Patients rated their health better at the 1-year follow-up. In summary, a global improvement in gait kinematics compared to no stimulation was observed and the long-term safety of the device could be confirmed.

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“…Each participant had their own set of needs that are to be met by their footwear for example stability, support, security, confidence or comfort or a blend of these. For some people, footwear assumes the role of an insole, AFO or FES in assisting with foot drop and inversion, particularly where these devices have been abandoned due to the burden of use (19,20). By understanding this role of footwear, clinicians and researchers can gain a unique insight into problems experienced and work towards potential solutions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comfortably numb? Experiences of people with stroke and lower limb sensation deficits: impact and solutions

Luckie

Hollands

Williamson

et al. 2019

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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To explore personal experiences of loss of foot sensation following stroke in order to inform the focus of clinical assessments and development of a vibrotactile insole. Methods: Qualitative design with an interpretive phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis. Eight community dwelling adults with stroke (>6 months) and sensory impairment in the feet participated. Data was collected via conversational style interviews which were transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework. Themes were verified with co-researchers and a lay advisory group. Results: Data formed four themes: Sensory deficits are prevalent and constant, but individual and variable; Sensory deficits have a direct impact on balance, gait, mobility and falls; Sensory deficits have consequences for peoples' lives; Footwear is the link between function, the environment and identity. They embraced the concept of discrete vibrotactile insoles, their potential benefits and demonstrated a willingness to try it. Conclusions: Sensory deficit contributes to effects upon physical function, mobility and activity. Clinical outcome measures need to capture the emotional, psychological and social impacts of sensory deficit. Participants demonstrated a resilience and resourcefulness through adaption in daily living and self-management of footwear. The participants focus on footwear provides the opportunity to develop discrete and nonburdensome vibrotactile insoles for this patient group.

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Functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses provide equivalent therapeutic effects on foot drop: A meta-analysis providing direction for future research

Cited by 38 publications

References 57 publications

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses on walking speed in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses on walking speed in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The long-term effects of an implantable drop foot stimulator on gait in hemiparetic patients

Comfortably numb? Experiences of people with stroke and lower limb sensation deficits: impact and solutions

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