http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/27/7/579.abstract?etoc
Abstract
Background. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation in the management of foot drop after stroke.
Objective. To compare changes in walking performance with the WalkAide (WA) foot-drop stimulator and a conventional ankle–foot orthosis
(AFO). Methods. Individuals with stroke
within the previous 12 months and residual foot drop were enrolled in a
multicenter, randomized
controlled, crossover trial. Subjects were assigned
to 1 of 3 parallel arms for 12 weeks (6 weeks/device): arm 1 (WA–AFO),
n = 38; arm 2 (AFO–WA), n = 31; arm 3 (AFO–AFO), n =
24. Primary outcomes were walking speed and Physiological Cost Index
for the Figure-of-8 walking test. Secondary
measures included 10-m walking speed and perceived safety during this
test, general
mobility, and device preference for arms 1 and 2
for continued use. Walking tests were performed with (On) and without a
device
(Off) at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Results.
Both WA and AFO had significant orthotic (On–Off difference),
therapeutic (change over time when Off), and combined (change
over time On vs baseline Off) effects on walking
speed. An AFO also had a significant orthotic effect on Physiological
Cost
Index. The WA had a higher, but not significantly
different therapeutic effect on speed than an AFO, whereas an AFO had a
greater orthotic effect than the WA (significant at
12 weeks). Combined effects on speed after 6 weeks did not differ
between
devices. Users felt as safe with the WA as with an
AFO, but significantly more users preferred the WA. Conclusions. Both devices produce equivalent functional gains.
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