The immediate effect of FES and TENS on gait parameters in patients after stroke

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was conducted to compare the immediate effects of different electrotherapies on the gait parameters for stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned either to the functional electrical stimulation group or the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, with 15 patients in each group. Each electrotherapy was performed for 30 minutes simultaneously with the therapeutic exercise, and the changes in the spatial and temporal parameters of gait were measured. [Results] After the intervention, a significant, immediate improvement in cadence and speed was observed only in the functional electrical stimulation group. [Conclusion] Based on this study, functional electrical stimulation that stimulates motor nerves of the dorsiflexor muscles on the paretic side is recommended to achieve immediate improvement in the gait ability of stroke patients.

The Immediate Carryover Effects of Peroneal Functional Electrical Stimulation Differ between People with and without Chronic Ankle Instability

“…In addition, earlier studies have shown that FES may facilitate spinal [42] and cortical motor excitability [43,44], especially when combined with voluntary repeated movements. These mechanisms may explain immediate or long-lasting gait modifications following FES observed in patients with neurological conditions [45][46][47]. For example, it has been shown that gait speed and cadence improved following FES of the dorsiflexors in patients post-stroke [45].…”

“…These mechanisms may explain immediate or long-lasting gait modifications following FES observed in patients with neurological conditions [45][46][47]. For example, it has been shown that gait speed and cadence improved following FES of the dorsiflexors in patients post-stroke [45]. These effects may be of importance since preliminary evidence suggests a link between immediate carryover effects and long-term therapeutic effects [46,48].…”

Effect of 8-week treadmill running with peroneal muscle functional electrical stimulation on laterally deviated centre of plantar pressure position and star excursion balance test performance

“…Different types of electrical stimulation can be used for various purposes, such as rehabilitation and pain relief. 12 When used as pain relief such as during labour or for back pain, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is typically used. 10 Electrical stimulation applied to a motor nerve can bring about a contraction of the muscle, and when creating a functional movement this is known as functional electrical stimulation (FES).…”

“… 10 Electrical stimulation applied to a motor nerve can bring about a contraction of the muscle, and when creating a functional movement this is known as functional electrical stimulation (FES). 12 FES has been used for a number of benefits including, but not limited to, providing function to both upper and lower limbs and assisting with the respiratory system (Ragnarsson, 2007). 13 As can been seen in articles such as that by Ragnarsson 13 and Rushton, 14 much of the work surrounding FES is focused on neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury, and other issues causing neurological loss of function.…”

Advances in neuroprosthetic management of foot drop: a review

“…TENS is effective in reducing pain and increasing presynaptic inhibition, resulting in reduced spasticity, muscle tone, and stiffness. Functionally, FES has demonstrated significant effect on the spatiotemporal parameters of the gait, whereas TENS has not reported positive results yet [9,11].…”