Gait Training of Patients After Stroke Using an Electromechanical Gait Trainer Combined With Simultaneous Functional Electrical Stimulation

Abstract

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the implementation of gait training intervention that used an electromechanical gait trainer with simultaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) for 2 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Case Descriptions. Two individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia of less than 6 weeks' duration participated in a 4-week gait training program as an adjunct to physical therapy received at a hospital. After the 4-week intervention, both patients were discharged from the hospital, and they returned after 6 months for a follow-up evaluation. Outcomes. By the end of the 4-week intervention, both patients had shown improvements in scores on the Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Categories Scale, 5-m timed walking test, and Motricity Index. In the 6-month follow-up evaluation, both patients continued to have improvements in all outcome measures. Discussion. This case report shows that, following the use of an electromechanical gait trainer simultaneously with FES, patients after acute stroke had improvements in gait performance, functional activities, balance, and motor control in the long term.

The Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Balance of Stroke Patients in the Standing Posture

“…These electrodes are noninvasive, inexpensive, and convenient 17) . The stimulation intensity was increased until visible maximal contraction occurred while the patient was carefully observed to be in a stable state [18][19][20] . At the intensity of maximal muscle contraction, FES was applied for 30 minutes 6 times a week for 8 weeks.…”

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“…There were significant differences in the functional measures for all the participants in both groups, but only significant differences among themselves in the Barthel Index. Tong, Ng, Li & So (2006) carried out a case study regarding the utilization of an electronic devise for walk training simultaneously combined with FES for four weeks complementary to hospital rehabilitation. Measure were performed via the Barthel Index, BBS, MI, FACS (Functional Ambulation Categories Scale), and 5-MWT (5-Meters Walking Test).…”

Myoelectrically Controlled Robotic System That Provide Voluntary Mechanical Help for Persons after Stroke

“…Many new rehabilitation approaches and devices are developed as useful complementary units for stroke rehabilitation. In recent years, robotic systems have been developed to help subjects after stroke to restore the upper limb [2]- [4] and lower limb [5] [6] function for their well-controlled, repetitive, quantitative and adaptive characteristics. Myoelectrical control is a useful way to relate the subject's intention to the control variable since EMG signals could reflect the activities of the muscles.…”