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Gait Training of Patients After Stroke Using an Electromechanical Gait Trainer Combined With Simultaneous Functional Electrical Stimulation

RKY Tong, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
MFW Ng, PT, is a student in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
LSW Li, MD, is Director, Rehabilitation Unit, and Consultant Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine, Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
EFM So, PT, is Department Manager, Department of Physiotherapy, Tung Wah Hospital

Address all correspondence to Dr Tong at: k.y.tong{at}polyu.edu.hk

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the implementation of gait training intervention that used an electromechanical gait trainer with simultaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) for 2 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Case Descriptions. Two individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia of less than 6 weeks' duration participated in a 4-week gait training program as an adjunct to physical therapy received at a hospital. After the 4-week intervention, both patients were discharged from the hospital, and they returned after 6 months for a follow-up evaluation. Outcomes. By the end of the 4-week intervention, both patients had shown improvements in scores on the Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Categories Scale, 5-m timed walking test, and Motricity Index. In the 6-month follow-up evaluation, both patients continued to have improvements in all outcome measures. Discussion. This case report shows that, following the use of an electromechanical gait trainer simultaneously with FES, patients after acute stroke had improvements in gait performance, functional activities, balance, and motor control in the long term.

Key Words: Cerebrovascular accident • Electrical stimulation • Gait • Rehabilitation • Stroke

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