Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian EH216UU, UK.
Physiotherapy. 2011 Sep;97(3):226-33. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2010.11.001. Epub 2011 Feb 2.
To explore experiences, preferences and choices relating to the use of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) for foot-drop by people who have suffered a stroke and their carers, with the aim of informing clinical decision-making.
Semi-structured interviews explored individual experiences through a phenomenological approach. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework was used to enable organisation and interpretation of qualitative interview data.
Participants who had used both transcutaneous FES and one of several types of AFO were recruited from a single FES clinic.
Nine people who had suffered a stroke and four carers were recruited purposively, including people between 2 and 9 years post stroke, with different degrees of difficulty in walking.
Participants described experiences, preferences and choices relating to AFO and FES use. All but one person expressed a preference for FES use and related this to being able to move the ankle more freely; walk more normally, safely and independently; and greater comfort. Several people also used AFOs when the FES equipment failed, when travelling and near water. One person rationed their use of FES on a daily basis due to allergic reactions.
The consensus in this sample demonstrated positive and negative experiences of both FES and AFO use. Participants weighed up the pros and cons, and despite predominant preferences for FES, many also used AFOs due to some drawbacks of FES. Further research and development are required to reduce drawbacks and further explore users' experiences.
探索经历、偏好和选择与使用踝足矫形器（AFO）和功能性电刺激（FES）治疗足下垂有关的问题，这些经历、偏好和选择来自中风患者及其照顾者，旨在为临床决策提供信息。
通过现象学方法，半结构式访谈探讨了个体的经验。采用解释性现象学分析框架，以组织和解释定性访谈数据。
参与者从单一的 FES 诊所招募，他们都曾使用过经皮 FES 和几种 AFO 中的一种。
目的明确地招募了 9 名中风患者和 4 名照顾者，包括中风后 2 至 9 年的患者，他们在行走方面有不同程度的困难。
参与者描述了与 AFO 和 FES 使用相关的经历、偏好和选择。除了 1 人之外，所有人都表示更喜欢使用 FES，并将其归因于能够更自由地移动脚踝；更正常、安全和独立地行走；以及更大的舒适度。一些人在 FES 设备出现故障、旅行和靠近水时也会使用 AFO。有 1 人由于过敏反应，每天都要限制使用 FES。
本研究样本中的共识展示了 FES 和 AFO 使用的正反两方面的经验。参与者权衡了利弊，尽管大多数人更喜欢 FES，但由于 FES 的一些缺点，他们也会使用 AFO。需要进一步的研究和开发，以减少缺点并进一步探索用户的体验。
