Feasibility of combining multi-channel functional neuromuscular stimulation with weight-supported treadmill training

The only way I can see the survivors being satisfied is if the tyranny of low expectations was used on them.  You don't specify that they got 100% recovered so they couldn't be satisfied unless YOU bamboozled them into thinking any recovery is a success.

Feasibility of combining multi-channel functional neuromuscular stimulation with weight-supported treadmill training

 Janis J. Daly*, Robert L. Ruff
 Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, United States Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Research Service 151-W 10701 E. Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Received 13 April 2004; received in revised form 30 June 2004; accepted 2 July 2004Available online 27 August 2004

 

More than 3 million stroke survivors live with residual disabilities and mobility deficits even after rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to develop new, more effective, gait training methods. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) testing the feasibility of combining multi-channel functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) using intramuscular (IM) electrodes and body weight supported treadmill training(BWSTT) for gait training; and (2) documenting the potential gait practice advantages afforded by combining FNS-IM and BWSTT. Eight subjects with gait deficits in the chronic phase (
N
12 months) were enrolled. Intramuscular electrodes were placed in the paretic hip abductors,knee flexors and extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, and evertors. Subjects were treated with exercise and gait training using the combined technologies 1 1/2 h/week, four times/week, for 12 weeks. Feasibility was tested according to performance of the technologies,clinician skill factors, and subject satisfaction. Impairment, function, and quality of life were measured. Provision of practice for eight gait characteristics was catalogued. We found the following results for the combined technologies: (1) the combined technologies were safe and feasible; (2) clinicians required five training sessions to reach proficiency; (3) subjects were satisfied (4) there were significant gains in impairment and functional measures; (5) a greater number of gait practice characteristics were provided with the combined technologies than with either alone.