Article

In this study functional electrical stimulation (FES) was used to generate supported gait in paraplegic patients with traumatic upper-motor-neuron lesions, between the T5 and T12 spinal levels. Four patients have so far been treated and studied over a period of one year. The quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles are stimulated simultaneously to achieve a supported standing position, while hip, knee and ankle flexions are achieved, alternately for each leg by stimulating the shank surface at two selected locations (flexion reflex). The stimulus used has an intensity of 120V, duration of 0.3 ms and frequency of 24Hz. The standing and walking behaviour of patients was monitored in the gait laboratory of the Loewenstein Hospital. The amount of weightbearing on each foot during standing was established by time integration, over a standard period of time, of the reaction forces, as measured by 'Kistler' force platforms, on which the patient was required to stand, while taking care to support his walking aids outside the platform area. The gait of the patients was evaluated by means of an electrical contact system in which time/distance parameters of the stride were measured. Some typical results indicate a walking velocity of 10 cms-1 and weightbearing on the feet during standing of 80% of body weight. Computer processing of the data acquired was used to obtain objective evaluation of the patients' progress during their training period towards easier and more independent mobility.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI

Identifiant basis : 1985002692