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N/A N=26 Randomized Single-blind Treatment

Electrical Stimulation for Recovery of Ankle Dorsiflexion in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Stroke · Hemiparesis · Lower Extremity Paresis

Enrolled (actual)
26
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Nov 2017
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Score at End of Treatment — 0.93; 1.8 units on a scale

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
Electrical stimulator (Device)
Age
Adult, Older Adult · 21+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
MetroHealth Medical Center
Primary completion
Aug 2011

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Change in Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Score at End of Treatment
0.93; 1.8
PRIMARY
Change in Gait Velocity (cm/Sec) at End of Treatment
3.0; 1.2
PRIMARY
Change in Time (Sec) to Complete the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (MEFAP).
-9.6; -3.2

Summary

Ankle dorsiflexor weakness (paresis) is one of the most frequently persisting consequences of stroke. The purpose of this exploratory study is to compare two different treatments -- Contralaterally Controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (CCNMES) and Cyclic Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (cNMES) -- for improved recovery of ankle movement and better walking after stroke.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 21 to 80 years
  • >6 months from a first clinical non-hemorrhagic or hemorrhagic stroke
  • Medically stable
  • Unilateral lower extremity hemiparesis
  • Ankle dorsiflexor strength of ≤4/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, while seated
  • Able to ambulate 16 feet (5 meters) continuously with minimal assistance or less, without the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).
  • AFO is clinically indicated (footdrop during ambulation or inefficient gait patterns)
  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the paretic ankle dorsiflexors produces ankle dorsiflexion to neutral without pain.
  • Full voluntary dorsiflexion of the contralateral ankle
  • Skin intact on hemiparetic lower extremity
  • Able to don the NMES system or caregiver available to assist with device if needed.
  • Able to hear and respond to stimulator auditory cues
  • Able to follow 3-stage commands
  • Able to recall 2 of 3 items after 30 minutes

Exclusion Criteria

  • Brainstem stroke
  • Severely impaired cognition and communication
  • History of peroneal nerve injury
  • History of Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis
  • Uncontrolled seizure disorder
  • Uncompensated hemi-neglect (extinguishing to double simultaneous stimulation)
  • Edema of the affected lower extremity
  • Absent sensation of lower leg and foot
  • Evidence of deep venous thrombosis or thromboembolism
  • History of cardiac arrhythmias with hemodynamic instability
  • Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic system
  • Botulinum toxin injections to any lower extremity muscle in the last 3 months
  • Pregnancy
  • Currently receiving Physical Therapy for the lower extremity
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01029912). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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