Bodyweight supported treadmill training associated with functional electrical stimulation in hemiparetic patients

The loss of the ambulation capacity in individuals with Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) has been attributed to hemiparesis, the most frequent cause of post-CVA impairment. New approaches, such as the bodyweight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) associated with functional electrical stimulation (FES), have been suggested as a gait rehabilitation method for hemiparetic patients. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the BWSTT associated to FES in hemiparetic patients. Methods: Fourteen individuals with hemiparesis due to CVA were randomly selected. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale), the Berg Balance Scale, the Functional Ambulation Category Scale and the cadence assessment were used as measurement tools. The study subjects underwent four evaluations: the first (control) carried out before and the second (pretreatment) after the conventional physical therapy, the third (post-treatment) after the BWSTT associated to FES (20 sessions) and the fourth (retention), 30 days after the end of the treatment. Results: The proposed training showed a significant improvement (p>0.05) in gait velocity, cadence, balance and motor impairment level and the results persisted 30 days after the end of the treatment. Conclusion: The BWSTT associated with FES is effective for gait rehabilitation in hemiparetic individuals.