Article

AIM: To assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of ankle
dorsiflexors in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) during
walking. METHOD: A systematic review was performed using the American Academy of
Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine methodology and the Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases
were searched for studies applying interventions to patients aged younger than 20
years. Outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty
abstracts were found, 35 articles were fully screened, and 14 articles were used
for analysis. Only five articles (three studies) were of level I to III evidence.
At ICF participation and activity level, there is limited evidence for a decrease
in self-reported frequency of toe-drag and falls. At ICF body structure and
function level, there is clear evidence (I-III) that FES increased (active) ankle
dorsiflexion angle, strength, and improved selective motor control, balance, and
gait kinematics, but decreased walking speed. Adverse events include skin
irritation, toleration, and acceptation issues. INTERPRETATION: There are
insufficient data supporting functional gain by FES on activity and participation
level. However, evidence points towards a role for FES as an alternative to
orthoses in children with spastic CP. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Effects of functional
electrical stimulation (FES) point towards a potential role as an alternative to
orthoses for patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Some evidence for a
decrease in self-reported frequency of toe-drag and falls with the use of FES in
spastic CP. Limited evidence for improvements in activity and participation in
patients with spastic CP using FES.
CI - (c) 2017 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS