ABSTRACT
Objective To study the immediate effect of applying a portable functional electrical stimulation device (PUEFESD) to the upper extremities of stroke patients.Methods Twenty stroke survivors were selected.Pairs of electrodes of the PUEFESD were applied on the dorsal and palm sides of the affected forearm and thenar to stimulate the extensors and flexors as well as the thenar muscles sequentially according to a programmed protocol.Functional evaluation was conducted before and immediately after the stimulation.All participants were assessed with regard to their motor function and performance in the activities of daily living using an upper extremity function test (UEFT),the upper extremity motor function portion of the Fugal-Meyer assessment (FMA),and rating with the modified Barthel index (MBI).A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain in the affected upper extremity.Results The patients' average FMA score was 19.4 ± 7.1 before the stimulation and 30.4 ± 9.6 after.The corresponding UEFT scores were 3.6 ± 3.7 and 26.9 ± 5.9,and the average MBI scores were 53.8 ± 26.2 and 65.8 ± 17.7.All of these increases were statistically significant.The average VAS score,however,did not change significantly.Conclusions Functional electric stimulation can quickly improve upper extremity function and the ADL ability of stroke patients,but pain is not relieved significantly.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of robot-assisted walking training after total knee replacement (TKR).Methods Forty TKR patients at 1 week post-operation were randomized into a control group (n =20) and a treated group (n =20).For 2 weeks the control group accepted routine rehabilitation therapy.The treated group received the same treatment as the control group,but also walking training using a robot-assisted walking training system.The results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee rating scale (HSS),knee proprioception grading,Berg scores,and 6 minute walking distance in both groups.All the analyses were administered before the operation and 2 weeks,l month,3 months and 12 months after the operation.Results The treated group had significantly better HSS scores,Berg scores,and 6 minute walking distances than the control group on average.However,there was no significant difference in average knee proprioception between the two groups.Conclusion Robot-assisted walking training was significantly more effective than conventional rehabilitation alone in improving knee joint function,balance ability and walking after TKR.