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The effect of a short functional electrical stimulation training programme on gait parameters in chronic stroke survivors

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a procedure that is increasingly accepted as part in the rehabilitation programme of stroke survivors. The effectiveness of FES upon gait parameters (speed, stride length, energetic consumption) is generally proven (different studies showing improvement in some or in all parameters) for training programs of 2 weeks to 2 months or more. We have investigated the effectiveness of a short program (6 days) of peroneal nerve stimulation with an ODFS2 device. Stimulation was synchronised with the swing phase of gait. 15 chronic stroke survivors (average time from stroke 13 months, SD=8.21) have been training for 30-45 minutes each day, 6 days. Speed, stride length and physiological cost index have been measured over a 25 m straight course, with and without the use of FES. Increase in speed, stride length and a decrease of effort (physiological cost index, PCI) were recorded after 6 days, both for normal gait and for the FES enhanced gait, but statistical significance was not reached for normal gait PCI . There was a significant supplementary increase in speed for FES gait compared to normal gait. No changes were recorded in spasticity (Ashworth scale), voluntary movement (Brunnstromm scale), independence (Barthel index). We concluded that even short time use of FES training can be beneficial to stroke patients.