Effects of functional electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitation therapy on function of stroke patients with hemiplegia

Objective:To study the effects of functional electrical stimulation(FES) combined with rehabilitation therapy on function and activities of stroke patients.Methods:Thirty stroke patients were divided into FES group and control group(n=15 each).Both groups took the same regular rehabilitation training.FES group received FES and walking training with gait appliance additionally.Before and after 4 weeks,strength of ankle dorsiflexion muscle,timed up-and-go test(TUG),10-m walking test,and Barthel index were assessed.Results:After 4 weeks of training,the strength of ankle dorsiflexion muscle,10-m walking speed and Barthel index scores in both two groups were increased as compared with those pretreatment,more significantly in FES group than in control group(P0.01,0.05).TUG time in both two groups was shortened as compared with pretreatment,more significantly in FES group than in control group(P0.01,0.05).Conclusion:FES combined with rehabilitation therapy can improve strength of ankle dorsiflexion muscle,lower limb functions,and ability of activities of daily living.