Post-stroke foot drop research： a bibliometrics analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the research status and trends in the field of post-stroke foot drop. MethodsThe literature on post-stroke foot drop was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database from inception to January, 2024. The data were analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. ResultsA total of 490 articles were included. The annul articles were published more and more year by year since 1992, peaking in 2020. The main institutions were located in USA. The literature focused on the fields of medicine, healthcare and clinical studies. There were as many as 230 papers on rehabilitation. The most frequency keywords were rehabilitation, hemiplegic gait, electrical stimulation, foot drop, and stroke, and so on. Keyword co-occurrence analysis showed ten major clusters as motor rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation technology, gait analysis, functional recovery technology, and assessment of rehabilitation treatment effects, and so on. ConclusionResearches on the rehabilitation of post-stroke foot drop are moving towards the integration of technology and therapeutic methods, emphasizing the assessment of motor function and evidence of treatment effects, and exploring personalized rehabilitation plans.

Harvester’s palsy – bilateral common peroneal nerve palsy: A descriptive case report

Peroneal neuropathy is the common mononeuropathy of the lower extremities in adults. The documented etiologies for peroneal nerve injury include trauma, traction, and external compression. Fibular neck is the most common site of common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury as the nerve lies superficial and vulnerable for injury. A 50-year-old male presented with foot drop in his left leg after working in squatting position for prolonged hours along with sensory disturbance in dorsum of left foot. Clinical examination showed poor dorsiflexion in both side ankle with preserved plantar flexion. Electrophysiological findings locate the site of lesion to be CPN at the level of fibular neck. We conclude that CPN is injured due to knee flexion in farmers repeatedly squatting for long hours. Superficial peroneal nerve may be spared due to their interfascicular arrangement at the level of fibular neck placing deep peroneal nerve near the fibula making them more susceptible to compression type of injury. Peroneal nerve may be damaged at multiple sites including ankle. The condition can be reversed with conservative treatment, primarily by avoiding the precipitating position.

Combining extracorporeal shock wave treatment with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of combining extracorporeal shock wave stimulation with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.Methods:Thirty-six stroke survivors with foot drop were randomly divided into an extracorporeal shock wave group, a PNF group and a combination group, each of 12. The extracorporeal shock wave group and PNF group were given those therapies alone, while the combination group was provided with both. The extracorporeal shock wave therapy protocol was 2000 times on each muscle at an intensity of 2.5 bar and a frequency of 10Hz, twice a week for 4 weeks, while the PNF was provided at least 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, all of the participants were evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the 10-metre walk test (10 MWT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor function scale (FMA). Active range of the ankle joint and toe out angle were also observed.Results:After the intervention the lower limb muscle tone had decreased significantly in 8 of the PNF group members and in 9 of those in the extracorporeal shock wave group, but it has decreased significantly in all 12 members of the combination group. And the average magnitude of the improvement was also significantly greater in the combination group than in the other two groups. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the active range of the ankle joint after the treatment in the combination group, but not in the other two groups. After the intervention the average 10 MWT times and FMA scores of the PNF and combination groups had improved significantly, but not those of the extracorporeal shock wave group, but significant improvement in toe out angles was observed in all three groups, though the average improvement in the combination group was significantly greater than in the other 2 groups.Conclusion:Combining extracorporeal shock waves with PNF can effectively improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.

Development of an Anterior Foot Drop Ankle Foot Orthosis with Adjustable Stiffness / 医用生物力学

Objective For patients with foot drop gait, to design a kind of anterior ankle foot orthosis (AFO) with adjustable stiffness, so as to restore natural gait of the ankle by limiting the patients’ unusual plantar flexion to the optimum extent. Methods The minimum orthodontic moment of 10 foot drop male patients was measured by self-made experimental equipment, which could be used to select optimum material modulus of the AFO. The relationship between elastic modulus and different filling structures and filling ratio parameters was studied by tensile test. A typical patient with foot drop was selected, and the anterior AFO fitting the shape of patient’s foot was quickly made by three-dimensional (3D) printing with foot geometric data and specific filling material, filling structure and filling rate. The kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) of plantar flexors were tested under barefoot and wearing two kinds of AFOs, so as to verify the effect of the AFO on plantar flexion. The effectiveness of the limitation and the degree of preservation of ankle valgus and plantar flexion were discussed. Results The minimum corrective torque required for 10 male patients with foot drop was 2.16 N·m. Compared with the rigid AFO, the range of motion (ROM) of plantar flexion and valgus increased by 67.8% and 88.6% respectively with the flexible AFO. The activation of the muscles responsible for plantar flexion (soleus, medial head of gastrocnemius and lateral head of gastrocnemius) also decreased by 38.3%, 46.6% and 55.8%. Conclusions This AFO with adjustable stiffness can be used for orthosis customization of patients with foot drop, providing more effective and long-term orthosis function and potential.

Analysis of the gait of stroke survivors with foot drop / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the clearance strategies of hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop.Methods:Thirty hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop formed the observation group and 30 healthy counterparts constituted the control group. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to observe and compare the minimum toe clearance (MTC) and its variability between the two groups to draw the motion trajectory of the toe in the swing phase of their gaits. The gait parameters were correlated with the toe clearance.Results:The average MTC of the observation group subjects on both the hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic side (12.01±3.36 and 22.38±5.51mm) was significantly smaller than the control group′s averages. The variability of their MTCs on both sides was also significantly greater. Clearance on the hemiplegic side was significantly less and its variability was significantly greater. Among the observation group, MTC on the hemiplegic side was positively correlated with walking speed, step length, swing phase percentage, maximum angle of hip extension, maximum angle of knee flexion, maximum angle of ankle dorsiflexion, and the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints.Conclusions:Hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop walk unstably with little toe clearance. It is necessary to intervene at the hip, knee and ankle to improve their obstacle clearance.

Foot drop - an uncommon presentation of FOLFOX toxicity

A quimioterapia com FOLFOX (oxaliplatina, leucovorina e 5-fluorouracilo) é frequentemente utilizada em doentes com cancro colorretal. Os sais de platina são conhecidos por serem uma classe de quimioterápicos que comumente induzem neurotoxicidade periférica. Na toxicidade induzida pela oxaliplatina, os sintomas sensitivos são os mais frequentes. Neste artigo, apresentamos dois casos clínicos de pacientes com adenocarcinoma de cólon, ambos submetidos à quimioterapia com FOLFOX4, e que desenvolveram neurotoxicidade incomum, apresentando pé pendente após o terceiro ciclo de tratamento. Esta manifestação clínica pode ser explicada por dano axonal nos neurônios motores periféricos do nervo peroneal comum (fibular), que fornece inervação motora aos músculos do pé. A paralisia do nervo fibular causa fraqueza súbita nos músculos do pé, que parece ser temporária. Ambos os doentes recuperaram completamente do evento sem necessidade de ajustes no tratamento, nem introdução de medicamentos diferentes. A apresentação de pé pendente como toxicidade da quimioterapia ainda é pouco compreendida. Os casos relatados mostram o pé pendente como uma manifestação grave e incomum de neuropatia induzida por FOLFOX, que pode ser transitória, e não requer necessariamente intervenção específica.

Chemotherapy based on FOLFOX (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil) regimen is frequently used in colorectal cancer patients. Oxaliplatin and other platinum agents are known to be a class of chemotherapy drugs that commonly induce peripheral neurotoxicity. The most frequent oxaliplatin related neurotoxicity is sensitive symptoms. Here, we present two cases of patients with colon adenocarcinoma, both undergoing chemotherapy with FOLFOX4, who developed uncommon neurotoxicity, presenting with foot drop after the third treatment cycle. Foot drop may be explained by axonal damage of peripheral motor neurons of the common peroneal (fibular) nerve, which provides motor innervation to the foot muscles. Peroneal nerve palsy causes sudden weakness in the muscles of the foot that seems to be temporary. Both patients completely recovered from the event. There was no need for treatment adjustments, neither introduction of different drugs. Foot drop as chemotherapy toxicity is still poorly understood. The reported cases show foot drop as a severe and uncommon manifestation of FOLFOX-induced neuropathy, that might be transitory, and does not necessarily requires specific intervention.

Modified posterior tibialis muscle transfer for treatment of foot drop and varus deformity after common peroneal nerve injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the early effect of modified posterior tibialis muscle transfer in treating foot drop and varus deformity caused by common peroneal nerve injury.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 6 patients with foot drop of common peroneal nerve palsy and varus deformity admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from December 2017 to October 2019, including 4 males and 2 females, aged 33-48 years [(39.5±6.0)years]. The left side was involved in 4 patients and the right side in 2 patients. All patients underwent posterior tibial muscle transfer. The insertion of posterior tibial muscle was reconstructed in the fourth metatarsal with the tendon allograft to correct foot drop and varus deformity. The range of motion of active ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion and range of motion of varus and valgus of foot were measured before operation and at the last follow-up. The isokinetic torque peak value of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at 60°/s angular velocity and peak isokinetic torque of foot varus and valgus at 60°/s angular velocity were measured before operation and at the last follow-up. The postoperative foot imaging evaluation was performed at the last follow-up, including Meary angle, calcaneal projection and diameter of the fourth metatarsal. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Association (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluate the ankle function.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-17 months [10(6, 15)months]. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of dorsiflexion of the ankle [6(0, 10)°] and foot valgus [3(0, 5)°] were significantly improved compared with the preoperative level [-31(-33, -28)°, -10(-12, -8)°] ( P<0.05); the ankle dorsiflexion torque [(7.7±0.8)Nm] and foot valgus torque [(7.2±0.7)Nm] were significantly improved compared with the preoperative level [(0.0±0.0)Nm, (2.1±0.6)Nm]at 60°/s angular velocity ( P<0.01). Imaging examination showed no acquired flat foot deformity and deformation of the fourth metatarsal insertion. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 50-73 points [(61.3±8.4)points] before operation to 75-97 points [(86.8±7.2)points] at the last follow-up ( P<0.01). Conclusion:For foot drop and varus caused by common peroneal nerve injury, modified posterior tibialis muscle transfer can increase the torque of ankle dorsiflexion and valgus, improve the ankle range of motion, and accelerate the ankle function recovery.

Design and application of prevention baffle for foot drop in suspension bed / 中华烧伤杂志

Suspension bed are often used to treat and nurse the wounds of burn patients in clinic. Because of the suspension force, the patients′ activities are limited, and they stay in bed for a long time, which is very easy to cause foot drop, affecting the recovery of the patients. Aiming at this problem, we designed and made a foot drop prevention baffle made of stainless steel, which could withstand the buoyancy of the suspension bed, adjust the feet forwardly and backwardly, to the left and right according to the height of the patients and the distance of the feet to be separated, and keep the foot in a positive and external rotation position according to the comfort of the patients, which achieved good results in clinical application.

Effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Methods: The clinical data of 21 patients with unilateral foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy between October 2009 and September 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females with an average age of 32.1 years (range, 23-47 years). The causes of peroneal nerve injury were iatrogenic injury in 7 cases, tibiofibular fractures combined with compartment syndrome in 5 cases, nerve exploration surgery after stab or cut injury in 3 cases, direct violence in 4 cases, and the fibular head fracture in 2 cases. The average time from injury to operation was 5.6 years (range, 2-8 years). There was 1 case of hallux valgus and 5 cases of toe flexion contracture. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, range of motion (ROM), and dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint were used to evaluated the ankle function. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle. Results: All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18-42 months (mean, 30.2 months). The dorsiflexion strength of ankle joint recovered from grade 0 to grade 3-4 after operation. There was no patient with a postoperative flat foot deformity and claw toe during follow-up. There was no significant difference in Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and hindfoot alignment angle between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion between pre- and post-operation ( t=4.239, P=0.158). There were significant differences in AOFAS score, FAAM score, and ROM of dorsiflexion between affected and healthy sides ( P<0.05); but no significant difference in ROM of plantar-flexion was found ( t=2.319, P=0.538). Conclusion: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is an effective surgical option for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. And no postoperative flat foot deformity occurred at short-term follow-up.

Comparative study of anterior support ankle foot orthosis and posterior ankle foot orthosis in foot drop patients

Background: Anterior Support Ankle Foot Orthosis (A-AFO) is a fairly recent approach. There is dearth of studies relating to comparison of metabolic efficiency of A-AFO and P-AFO. Objective was to study the efficacy of A-AFO compared to P-AFO in foot drop patients, using gait and metabolic analysis.Methods: It was a cross over study, included foot drop patients who could walk with/ without orthosis. Patients having spasticity more than grade 2 (Modified Ashworth Scale) were excluded. The metabolic parameters measured were volume of Oxygen consumed at Standard Temperature and Pressure in l/min (VO2), Dry in l/min, Rate of Oxygen consumption (MET), Volume of Carbon dioxide produced in litre/min (VCO2). Along with various gait parameters, questionnaire about patient’s preference after 4 weeks was also incorporated.Results: A-AFO was significantly better than P-AFO in terms of VO2 and VCO2 (p value = 0.02 and 0.009 respectively) as well as in terms of subjective preference.Conclusions: A-AFO is comparable to P-AFO in terms of energy efficiency, gait parameters and subjective preference, hence should also be prescribed.

Ipsilateral foot drop after aortobifemoral bypass

Peripheral nerves can be injured by a direct result of the anesthetic technique of regional anesthesia or it can be contributed/compounded by poor perioperative positioning and padding, tourniquets, and the nature of surgery and diseases affecting the microvasculature of nerves. We present a case of perioperative peripheral nerve injuries which could not be explained by anesthesia technique nor surgery per se.

Clinical trials of treatment of post-stroke foot drop by fire-needling plus stuck-needle-stretching / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of fire-needling plus stuck-needle-stretching and conventional acupuncture for post-stroke foot drop, so as to provide a reference foundation for optimizing clinical treatment regimen. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with post-stroke foot drop were equally randomized into a treatment group and a control group. In the treatment group, fire-needling plus stuck-needle-stretching was applied to acupoint pairs Jiexi (ST41)-Taichong (LR3), Xiajuxu (ST39)-ST41, Fenglong (ST40)-ST39, shangjuxu (ST37)-ST40, Zusanli (ST36)-ST37, Dubi (ST35)-ST36, Xuanzhong (GB39)-Qiuxu (GB40) on the affected side, and Chengshan (BL57) and Ashi points were swiftly pricked with red-hot filiform needle without needle retaining. In the conventional acupuncture group, the same acupoints were needled with filiform needles, and the treatment for both groups was given once a day, 6 times a week, for consecutive 4 weeks. The spasm severity of posterior triceps of the lower leg was evaluated using modified Ashworth scale, the tibial anterior muscle strength was measured using Lovett' and Martin's methods, the activities of daily living were assessed using modified Barthel's index, the walking ability was evaluated using Holden walking rating scale and the lower limb motor function assessed using Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, and the severity of foot drop was assessed in reference to Garceau criteria. RESULTS: After the treatment, the score of the modified Ashworth scale was significantly reduced (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Both fire-needling plus stuck-needle-stretching and conventional acupuncture are effective in the treatment of post-stroke foot drop, but the former is relatively better.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A injection on the walking ability of stroke survivors with spastic foot drop and talipes varus / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the effect of injecting botulinum toxin type A ( BTX-A) into the tibialis anterior muscle on spasm and the walking function of stroke survivors with spastic foot drop and strephenopodia. Methods Fifty-six stroke survivors with spastic foot drop and strephenopodia were randomly divided into a tibialis anterior injection group ( Group TA) and a conventional injection group ( Group CG) , each of 28. Both groups had 50 U of BTX-A injected into the medial-lateral heads of the affected gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and 35 U in-jected into each of two sites in the tibialis posterior. Group TA was additionally injected with 30 U in the tibialis ante-rior. Before the injection, as well as 2, 4 and 12 weeks afterward, both groups were evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) for the plantar flexors and varus muscle groups, a 10-minute walking test (10 m-WT), a simple Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA) of the lower limb and a timed up and go test ( TUG) . Results Before the injection, there were no statistically significant differences in the average MAS, 10 m-WT, FMA or TUG results be-tween the two groups. After 2 weeks, however, the average MAS score of both groups had decreased significantly, and that improvement was maintained at 4 and 12 weeks after the injection. Moreover, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the injec-tion, significant differences in the average MAS score were observed between the two groups. The average 10m-WT re-sults, FMA scores and TUG times of both groups also improved significantly, but there were significant differences between the two groups′10m-WT times and FMA scores after 2 and 4 weeks. Conclusions Injecting a small dose of BTX-A into the tibialis anterior can further relieve spasm in the tibialis anterior muscle and improve the walking a-bility of stroke survivors with spastic foot drop and strephenopodia.

Validation of foot pitch angle estimation using inertial measurement unit against marker-based optical 3D motion capture system

Gait analysis is relevant to a broad range of clinical applications in areas of orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation and the sports medicine. There are various methods available for capturing and analyzing the gait cycle. Most of gait analysis methods are computationally expensive and difficult to implement outside the laboratory environment. Inertial measurement units, IMUs are considered a promising alternative for the future of gait analysis. This study reports the results of a systematic validation procedure to validate the foot pitch angle measurement captured by an IMU against Vicon Optical Motion Capture System, considered the standard method of gait analysis. It represents the first phase of a research project which aims to objectively evaluate the ankle function and gait patterns of patients with dorsiflexion weakness (commonly called a “drop foot”) due to a L5 lumbar radiculopathy pre- and post-lumbar decompression surgery. The foot pitch angle of 381 gait cycles from 19 subjects walking trails on a flat surface have been recorded throughout the course of this study. Comparison of results indicates a mean correlation of 99.542% with a standard deviation of 0.834%. The maximum root mean square error of the foot pitch angle measured by the IMU compared with the Vicon Optical Motion Capture System was 3.738° and the maximum error in the same walking trail between two measurements was 9.927°. These results indicate the level of correlation between the two systems.

Treatment effect analysis of foot drop type in 34 cases of lumbar disc herniation / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate treatment effect of the type of foot drop in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods Clinical data of 34 patients with foot drop in lumbar disc herniation who were treated in Spinal Surgery Department of Shunyi District Hospital of Beijing from January 2006 to December 2013 were retrospective analyzed,all patients were treated by operation.After 24 months of follow-up,the effect was observed,the prognosis and related factors were analyzed.Results Two years after operation,the recovery of the patients was excellent in 4 cases and good in 19 cases,common and poor in 11 cases,and the excellent and good rate was up to 67.6%(23/34).Analysis results showed that after 3 to 24 months after surgery,the anterior tibial muscle strength grades(grade 0-5) corresponding score were 28 points preoperatively,59 points at 3 months after surgery,69 points at 6 months after surgery,92 points 1 year after surgery,reached 95 points 2 years after surgery.Muscle strength score of patients with an increasing trend,especially after 3 months to 12 months after the operation.Conclusion The drop occurred should be operated as soon as possible,recommendations for open surgery,complete decompression,avoid injury.Three months to 1 years after operation is the key period of recovery.

The analysis of prognostic factors for postoperative patients with foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To analyze the clinical result and the prognostic factors for postoperative patients with foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease.Methods:2341 patients who suffered from lumbar degenerative disease and underwent lumbar surgery from January 2011 to January 2016 were reviewed,among which 125 cases suffered from foot drop and caused by lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS) or lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Among the 125 patients,108 cases were enrolled with complete follow-up.All patients underwent modified PLIF and nerve roots decompression.The mean follow-up period was 2.4±1.5 years(range,1.4-5.2 years).Patients whose tibialis anterior(TA) muscle strength recovered to grade 4 or grade 5,the ankle could move freely,with a relative normal gait,could be considered as recovery.The following indexes were included in the single factor analysis by Log-rank test:age,gender,type of lumbar degeneration,duration of palsy,preoperative tibialis anterior strength,physical sensation disorder of affected lower limbs,number of affected limbs,preoperative VAS score,cauda equine syndrome,affected levels and history of trauma.Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors of surgical treatment effect.Results:Among 108 cases of patients with foot drop,59 cases were cured,the recovery rate was about 54.6％.Among them,44 cases were LSS,and 15 cases were cured,the rate was 34.1％;64 cases were LDH,44 cases were cured,the rate was 68.7％.The single factor analysis showed that age,type of lumbar degeneration,duration of palsy,preoperative TA muscle strength and number of affected limbs had significant relation with prognosis (P＜0.05).The Cox regression analysis showed the following indexes were the prognostic factors of foot drop:age,type of lumbar degeneration,duration of palsy and preoperative TA muscle strength(P＜0.05).Conclusions:Age,type of degeneration,duration of palsy and preoperative TA muscle strength are significantly related to the prognosis of foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease.Patiets with younger age,shorter duration,stronger TA muscle strength recover better;compared with LSS,foot drop caused by LDH recover better.

Effects of Acupuncture at Myofascial Trigger Points on Spastic Foot Drop and Inversion after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To study the effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points on spastic foot drop and inversion after stroke. Methods From May, 2014 to May, 2016, 50 stroke patients were randomly divided into control group (n=25) and observation group (n=25). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the observation group accepted acupuncture at myofascial trigger points per day in addi-tion. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM) of ankle, sim-plified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for lower limbs and maximum walking speed (MWS) in ten metres before and six weeks after treat-ment. Results The scores of VAS, MAS, and FMA, the ROM of ankle, and MWS improved after treatment (t>6.845, P5.586, P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at myofascial trigger points can release spasm to reduce foot drop and inversion in patients with stroke.

Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for foot drop after stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical efficacy difference between acupuncture combined with rehabilitation and simple rehabilitation for foot drop after stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-eight patients were randomly divided into a combination group and a rehabilitation group, 49 cases in each one. Acupuncture and rehabilitation were used in the combination group. The acupoints were Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Guangming (GB 37), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc., while rehabilitation included training for musculi hippicus strength and musculi triceps surae. Only the same rehabilitation was applied in the rehabilitation group. The treatment was given six times a week for continuous six weeks. Musculi hippicus force, shank triceps spasticity, toe flexion improvement and the maximum integral EMG (iEMG) of the musculi tibialis anterior and caput laterale musculi gastrocnemii were compared between the two groups,and the effects were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the musculi hippicus force, iEMG of musculi tibialis anterior and caput laterale musculi gastrocnemii, the function scores of the lower limbs by Fugl-Meyer of the two groups were better than those before treatment (all<0.05), with the better effect in the combination group (all<0.05). And the scores of shank triceps tension were decreased in the two groups (both<0.05), more apparently for the combination therapy (<0.05). The improvement rate of toe flexion of the combination group was 87.76% (43/49), which was obviously higher than 69.39% (34/49) of the rehabilitation group (<0.05). The cured rate of the combination group was 48.98%(24/49), and it was better than 28.57% (14/49) of the rehabilitation group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation achieves better effect than simple rehabilitation for foot drop after stroke.</p>

Effects of Lokomat Robotic-assisted Gait Training Combined with Drop Foot Stimulator on Gait Function in Patients with Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effects of Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training combined with drop foot stimulator on gait function in patients with stroke. Methods Thirty-six stroke patients were randomly divided into control group (n=18) and observation group (n=18). Both groups received routine rehabilitation training. The control group accepted Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training, while the ob-servation group worn drop foot stimulator in addition. The training intensity was 30 minutes every day, five days per week for 6 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Limb (FMA-LL), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) and footprint analysis were used to evaluate the motor ability of lower limbs, walking ability and gait before and after training. Results There was no significant difference in the scores of FMA-LL, FAC and gait parameters (walking speed, stride width, stride length difference) before training (t<0.765, Z=0, P>0.05). The scores of FMA-LL, FAC and walking speed improved, and the stride width and stride length difference decreased after training (t>2.190, Z>3.630, P<0.05). After training, the scores of FMA-LL, FAC, walking speed and stride length difference were better in the observation group than in the control group (t>2.030, Z=-2.560, P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in stride width between two groups (t=0.570, P>0.05). Conclusion Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training combined with foot drop stimulator could improve the lower limb motor func-tion and gait ability in patients with stroke, and the effect might be better than using Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training only.

Misunderstanding of Foot Drop in a Patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Lumbar Disk Herniation

We report the case of 57-year-old woman diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and lumbar disk herniation (LDH). She had left leg weakness and foot numbness, foot deformity (muscle atrophy, high arch, and clawed toes). The lumbar spine MRI showed LDH at L4-5. Additionally, electrophysiology results were consistent with chronic peripheral motor-sensory polyneuropathy (axonopathy). In genetic testing, 17p11.2-p12 duplication/deletions characteristic of CMT disease were observed. We confirmed the patient's diagnosis as CMT disease and used conservative treatment.