Author/Editor		Bogataj, U; Gros, N; Kljajić, M; Aćimović-Janežič, R
Title		Multi-channel fes gait therapy in stroke patients: evaluation of long-term effects
Type		članek
Source		In: Miklavčič D, Bajd T, Stanič U, editors. Proceedings of the 9th international conference on mechanics in medicine and biology; 1996 Jun 30-Jul 4; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Slovenian society of medical and biological engineering,
Publication year		1996
Volume		str. 179-82
Language		eng
Abstract		A group of 20 patients with severe hemiplegia were treated with multi-channel functional electrical stimulation (MFES) during their rehabilitation program with the purpose of improving and accelerating their gait rehabilitation. The results showed a significant improvement in patients' performance during the therapy period compared to conventional therautic approaches. At the beginning of therapy none of the patients was capable of independent ambulation. Each patient participated 3 weeks in MFES therapy and 3 weeks in "conventional therapy" program. After 6 weeks of therapy all patients were able to ambulate independently or with an accompanying person. Performance of the patient was evaluated by measuring stride length, gait velocity, gait cadence, ground reaction forces and by assessment of their physical status according to the Fugl-Meyer protocol. Each patient was evaluated at the end of our program and once more at least 1 year after finishing the program. The results of these two measurements were compared in order to determine whether there are any changes in patients' performance on a long-term basis. The results showed significant increase in cadence and decrease in stride length. There was no significant changes in other evaluated parameters. At the end of therapy 13 patients were able to walk independently and 7 were able to walk with an accompanying person. After more than one year 13 patients were walking independently, 3 patients were able to walk with an accompanying person, 3 patients were unable to walk without considerable help and 1 patient died during this period.
Descriptors		CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS HEMIPLEGIA GAIT ELECTRIC STIMULATION THERAPY ORTHOTIC DEVICES