Article

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a bout of leg cycling in patients with stroke
reduces muscle tone and to determine whether neuromuscular functional electrical
stimulation (FES) to the affected leg during cycling is more effective than
cycling without FES. DESIGN: Within-subject comparison. SETTING: University
hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with stroke (N=16; age range, 42-72y; <8wk
poststroke) with hypertonia in the affected leg. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects'
affected leg (1) performed cycling exercise with the assistance of FES
(assisted-cycling session) and (2) performed cycling exercise without the
assistance of FES (nonassisted-cycling session). Subjects sat in a specially
designed wheelchair positioned on a resistance-free roller for each 20-minute
session. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in muscle tone pre- and posttest session
were compared by using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the pendulum test
(relaxation index and peak velocity). RESULTS: Modified Ashworth Scale scores
were significantly lower (P<.05) and relaxation index and peak velocity values
were significantly higher (P<.05) after both sessions. Changes in Modified
Ashworth Scale scores, relaxation index, and peak velocity values showed a
significant (P<.05) difference between the 2 sessions, and assisted cycling
reduced hypertonia more than nonassisted cycling. CONCLUSIONS: The hypertonia of
patients with stroke showed a significant decrease immediately after a bout of
leg-cycling exercise. FES-assisted leg cycling was better than nonassisted
cycling for reducing hypertonia.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
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Langue : ANGLAIS