Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of unsupervised community use of an
array-based automated setup functional electrical stimulator for current
foot-drop functional electrical stimulation (FES) users.
DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: Gait laboratory and community use.
PARTICIPANTS: Participants
(N=7) with diagnosis of unilateral foot-drop of central neurologic origin (>6mo)
who were regular users of a foot-drop FES system (>3mo). INTERVENTION:
Array-based automated setup FES system for foot-drop (ShefStim). MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Logged usage, logged automated setup times for the array-based
automated setup FES system and diary recording of problems experienced, all
collected in the community environment. Walking speed, ankle angles at initial
contact, foot clearance during swing, and the Quebec User Evaluation of
Satisfaction with Assistive Technology version 2.0 (QUEST version 2.0)
questionnaire, all collected in the gait laboratory. RESULTS: All participants
were able to use the array-based automated setup FES system. Total setup time
took longer than participants' own FES systems, and automated setup time was
longer than in a previous study of a similar system. Some problems were
experienced, but overall, participants were as satisfied with this system as
their own FES system. The increase in walking speed (N=7) relative to no
stimulation was comparable between both systems, and appropriate ankle angles at
initial contact (N=7) and foot clearance during swing (n=5) were greater with the
array-based automated setup FES system. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that
an array-based automated setup FES system for foot-drop can be successfully used
unsupervised. Despite setup's taking longer and some problems, users are
satisfied with the system and it would appear as effective, if not better, at
addressing the foot-drop impairment. Further product development of this unique
system, followed by a larger-scale and longer-term study,
is required before firm
conclusions about its efficacy can be reached.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Pied tombant

Langue : ANGLAIS