Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the neuroprosthetic effect of a peroneal nerve stimulator
on tasks of functional ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: A single
point-in-time assessment of functional ambulation tasks under the conditions of
no device and peroneal nerve stimulator. SETTING: Outpatient academic medical
center. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=11) with diagnosis of MS (>6mo),
dorsiflexion weakness, and prior usage of an ankle-foot orthosis. INTERVENTION:
Surface peroneal nerve stimulator for ambulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Timed
25-foot Walk portion of the MS Functional Composite; Floor, Carpet, Up and Go,
Obstacle, and Stair components of the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation
Profile. RESULTS: Peroneal nerve stimulator-Stair performance was significantly
enhanced (P=.05) versus no device, and statistical significance was approached
for peroneal nerve stimulator-Obstacles (P=.09) versus no device. There were no
significant differences between peroneal nerve stimulator and no device conditions in the remaining outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The neuroprosthetic
effect of the peroneal nerve stimulator is modest relative to no device in the
performance of specific functional tasks of ambulation in MS gait. A
longitudinal, controlled trial is needed to show effectiveness.

Langue : ANGLAIS