The influence of gait training combined with portable functional electrical stimulation on motor function, balance and gait ability in stroke patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Problems with motor functions, balance and gait ability commonly occur in stroke patients and cause asymmetric posture imbalance and gait patterns. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of gait training (GT) combined with portable functional electrical stimulation (FES) on motor functions, balance and gait ability of stroke patients. METHODS: A single blind, randomized control trial was conducted with 34 post stroke patients who were randomly allocated to two groups: 1) FES + GT group (n= 17) and the placebo FES + GT (PLBO + GT) group (n= 17). All interventions were given for 30 minutes, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was used to measure motor function of lower extremity. Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA) was used to balance and gait ability. OptoGait was used to analyze gait ability. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in motor function, balance and gait ability. The FES + GT group showed significantly greater improvement in motor function, balance and gait abilities after four weeks compared to the PLBO + GT group. CONCLUSION: It was found that the gait training applied with FES is effective in improving the motor function, balance and gait abilities of stroke patients.