Combining Foot Drop Stimulation Devices with Gait Training Improves Gait, Active Ankle Movement of Chronic Poststroke Individuals

ABSTRACT Introduction Foot drop stimulator (FDS) devices induce positive clinical effects on foot drop secondary to stroke. Literature does not establish a recommended period or a standard intensity of stimulation to achieve training and therapeutic effects in individuals after stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the training and therapeutic effects of 2 weeks of FDS use combined with intensive treadmill gait training in chronic poststroke individuals. Materials and Methods The study design was a quasiexperimental clinical trial. Participants underwent gait training on a treadmill associated with FDS stimulation for 20 minutes, five times a week for 2 weeks. Gait analysis was measured at pre-training and 2 weeks after the training with FDS off/on mode. Results Sixteen chronic poststroke individuals were included. One participant was excluded from the analysis due to data processing fault. After the period of training, and with the orthosis on mode on, individuals ameliorated the active dorsiflexion and increased the distance covered, that is, positive training effect of FDS use. Training and therapeutic effects were not observed in other outcomes. Conclusions Our results demonstrated a positive training effect on ankle active movement during gait. FDS combined with gait training is able to increase the total distance walked after 2 weeks of treatment. Clinical Relevance FDS ameliorated the active dorsiflexion and increased the distance covered in people with chronic poststroke. Our results suggest a positive training effect of FDS that can guide physiotherapists in their clinical practice.