Neuromuscular electric stimulation effect on lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) of the tibialis anterior muscle on motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial.

SETTING

Rehabilitation ward and gait laboratory of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 25 consecutive inpatients with stroke (mean age, 55y), all within 6 months poststroke and without volitional ankle dorsiflexion.

INTERVENTION

Both the NMES group (n=12) and the control group (n=13) participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The NMES group also received 10 minutes of NMES to the tibialis anterior muscle of the paretic limb.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery and kinematic characteristics of gait.

RESULTS

Brunnstrom stages improved significantly in both groups (P<.05). In total, 58% of the NMES group and 61% of the control group gained voluntary ankle dorsiflexion. Between-group difference of percentage change was not significant (P>.05). Gait kinematics was improved in both groups, but the difference between groups was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

NMES of the tibialis anterior muscle combined with a conventional stroke rehabilitation program was not superior to a conventional stroke rehabilitation program alone, in terms of lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics.