Peroneal Nerve Stimulation versus an Ankle Foot Orthosis for Correction of Footdrop in Stroke: Impact on Functional Ambulation

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne R. Sheffler ◽  
Maureen T. Hennessey ◽  
Gregory G. Naples ◽  
John Chae

Objective. To compare the efficacy of the Odstock Dropped-Foot Stimulator (ODFS), a transcutaneous peroneal nerve stimulation device, versus an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) in improving functional ambulation of chronic stroke survivors. Intervention. Fourteen chronic stroke survivors with foot-drop participated in the study. Participants received ambulation training under 3 test conditions: 1) ODFS, 2) customized AFO, and 3) no device. Each participant was evaluated using the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile under the 3 test conditions. All participants were evaluated with a post-evaluation survey to solicit device feedback and preferences. Results. Functional ambulation with the AFO was significantly improved, relative to no device, on the floor ( P = 0.000), carpet ( P = 0.013), and “up and go” test ( P = 0.042). There was a trend toward significance on the obstacle ( P = 0.092) and stair ( P = 0.067) trials. Functional ambulation with the ODFS was significantly improved, relative to no device, on the carpet( P = 0.004). A trend toward significance on floor ( P = 0.081), obstaclxze ( P = 0.092), and stair ( P = 0.079) trials was observed. The difference in functional ambulation between the AFO and ODFS showed a trend toward statistical significance on floor ( P = 0.065) and up and go ( P = 0.082) trials only. Given a choice between the ODFS and AFO for long-term correction of footdrop, participants indicated a preference for the ODFS. Conclusion. The AFO and the ODFS may be comparable in their effect on improving functional ambulation as compared to no device. Specific characteristics of the ODFS may make it a preferred intervention by stroke survivors. More rigorously controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Berenpas ◽  
Sven Schiemanck ◽  
Anita Beelen ◽  
Frans Nollet ◽  
Vivian Weerdesteyn ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 688-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Bethoux ◽  
Helen L. Rogers ◽  
Karen J. Nolan ◽  
Gary M. Abrams ◽  
Thiru M. Annaswamy ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 425-430
Author(s):  
Sarah Prenton ◽  
Laurence PJ Kenney ◽  
Glen Cooper ◽  
Matthew J Major

Background: Foot-drop is a common motor impairment of chronic stroke patients, which may be addressed with an ankle foot orthosis. Although there is reasonable evidence of effectiveness for ankle foot orthoses, user compliance is sometimes poor. This study investigated a new alternative to the ankle foot orthosis, the dorsiflex sock. Case description and methods: The dorsiflex sock was evaluated using an A-B single case experimental design. Two community-dwelling, chronic stroke patients with foot-drop participated in this study. Measures were selected to span the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health domains and user views on the dorsiflex sock were also collected. Findings and outcomes: The dorsiflex sock was not effective in improving participants’ walking symmetry, speed or energy expenditure. Participant 1 showed improvement in the distance he could walk in 6 min when using the dorsiflex sock, but this was in keeping with a general improvement trend over the course of this study. However, both participants viewed the dorsiflex sock positively and reported a positive effect on their walking. Conclusion: Despite positive user perceptions, the study found no clear evidence that dorsiflex sock is effective in improving foot-drop. Clinical relevance Although the dorsiflex sock offers an attractive alternative to an ankle foot orthosis, the case studies found no clear evidence of its efficacy. Clinicians should view this device with caution until further research becomes available.


2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bishop ◽  
Allan Moore ◽  
Naveen Chandrashekar

Traumatic knee injuries in automobile accidents and sports often lead to damage of the peroneal nerve. A lack of control of muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve due to this damage, results in the inability to dorsiflex and evert the foot and to extend the toes. This condition is commonly known as foot drop. Foot drop reduces the stability in the body while walking and running and may also cause injury due to lack of foot clearance during the swing phase of the gait. Traditionally, an ankle foot orthosis (AFO), comprised of a moulded sheet of plastic that conforms around the posterior calf and distally contains all or part of the calcaneous as well as the plantar foot, is used to treat foot drop. The intent of this orthosis is to dorsiflex the foot to provide clearance during the swing phase of walking and running. Traditional AFO results in increased pressures due to a decrease in dorsiflexion range of motion at the ankle and make the orthosis increasingly uncomfortable to wear. Several other existing designs of foot drop AFO suffer from similar inadequacies. To address these issues, a new AFO was developed. The device was successfully used by one person with foot drop without issues for more than one year. This new design conforms to the lower anterior shin and dorsum of the foot using dorsiassist Tamarack ankle joints to allow for greater plantar and dorsiflexion range of motion. While still limiting ankle inversion it does allow for more ankle eversion. This orthosis can be discretely worn inside shoes due to its smaller size, and can be worn for a longer period of time without discomfort.


PM&R ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. S170-S170
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Najarian ◽  
Kristine Hansen ◽  
Maureen T. Hennessey ◽  
Melvin S. Mejia ◽  
Richard D. Wilson

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