Comparison of Gyroscope Based Functional Electrical Stimulation Versus Ankle Foot Orthosis with Electrical Stimulation on Improving Muscle Performance and Gait in Post Stroke Subjects

Abstract

Background and Objective: Foot drop is a common complication of a stroke which can impede participation in rehabilitation and has been associated with poor outcomes. Gyroscope based functional electrical stimulation is one of the adjunct treatments of choice. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Gyroscope based FES versus Ankle foot orthosis with Electrical stimulation for improving muscle performance and gait in post stroke subjects.  Methods: Quasi experimental study design. 112 subjects with mean age of 58 years having a clinical diagnosis of stroke were allocated into two groups by using convenience sampling method. In Group A (n=56) were treated with Gyroscope based Functional Electrical Stimulation along with Standard rehabilitation program, whereas in Group B (n=56) subjects were treated by Ankle foot orthosis with Electrical Stimulation along with standard rehabilitation program. Participants were given intervention for five times a week for 6 weeks. The universal goniometer, pheezee and Tug were used to assess the intervention effectiveness.  Results: Independent ‘‘t’’ test was used to compare the mean significance difference between continuous variables. Paired ‘‘t’’ test was used to assess the statistical significance difference between pre and post test scores. Statistical analysis of this data revealed that both groups showed significant improvement in parameters when compared within groups, where as in between groups comparison Gyroscope based functional electrical stimulation along with standard rehabilitation program showed better improvement compared to Ankle foot orthosis with Electrical stimulation along with standard rehabilitation program.  Conclusion: In six weeks of intervention, both groups were shown statistically significant improvement in post-test values. However Gyroscope based functional electrical stimulation along with standard rehabilitation program was more effective when compared to Ankle foot orthosis with Electrical stimulation along with standard rehabilitation program. Hence treatment intervention may be incorporated in management of post stroke.