Peroneal stimulator: Evaluation for the correction of spastic drop foot in hemiplegia

A feasibility study to investigate the clinical application of functional electrical stimulation (FES), for dropped foot, during the sub-acute phase of stroke – A randomized controlled trial

“…A number of authors [Granat et al, 1996;Robbins, Houghton, Woodbury and Brown, 2006;Roche, Laighin and Coote, 2009] have hypothesised that the benefits of FES, demonstrated in chronic stroke populations, may be replicated in the early phase of recovery after stroke. Granat et al, 1996, proposed that the application of FES in the more acute setting may prevent abnormal gait problems becoming established in the longer term.…”

“…Granat et al, 1996, proposed that the application of FES in the more acute setting may prevent abnormal gait problems becoming established in the longer term. Other potential benefits of applying FES early after stroke may include an ability to walk earlier, increased functional independence, earlier discharge home and improved motor recovery which may reduce the requirement for long-term use of FES or any orthotic device .…”

“…Only a small number of studies have investigated the use of FES in sub-acute stroke patients, however these have been in combination with patients in a chronic phase [Bogataj et al, 1995;Granat et al, 1996;Sheffler, Hennessey, Naples and Chae, 2007]. One study, [Sheffler, Hennessey, Naples and Chae, 2007] included a subacute case study, but limited information was reported other than that following a period of FES the participant could ambulate without an AFO and had no adverse side effects.…”

“…One study, [Sheffler, Hennessey, Naples and Chae, 2007] included a subacute case study, but limited information was reported other than that following a period of FES the participant could ambulate without an AFO and had no adverse side effects. With no sub-analysis undertaken in the other studies [Bogataj et al, 1995;Granat et al, 1996] it is not possible to assess the impact of FES during the sub-acute phase of stroke. Work is required to investigate FES in sub-acute stroke populations.…”

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Motor Restoration in Hemiplegia

“…Neuroprosthetic effects have been shown in a number of case series studies and several RCTs, with outcome measures ranging from gait kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters to metabolic cost indices. 54,55,[58][59][60] According to a systematic review, there is a positive neuroprosthetic effect of PNS on walking speed. 61 A recent multicenter clinical trial of 99 chronic patients showed that after 42 weeks of PNS during gait, 67% of participants had a gain of ≥ 0.1 m/sec (the minimal clinically important difference) in comfortable gait speed when walking with PNS.…”