A randomized trial of functional electrical stimulation for walking in incomplete spinal cord injury: Effects on walking competency

作者：Naaz Kapadia, Kei Masani, B. Catharine Craven, Lora Giangregorio, Sander L. Hitzig, Kieva Richards, Miloš R. Popović · 发表于：Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1179/2045772314y.0000000263 · 被引用次数：139 · 研究领域：Spinal Cord Injury Research、Muscle activation and electromyography studies、Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation

BACKGROUND: Multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulation (FES) for walking has been used to improve voluntary walking and balance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE: To investigate short- and long-term benefits of 16 weeks of thrice-weekly FES-assisted walking program, while ambulating on a body weight support treadmill and harness system, versus a non-FES exercise program, on improvements in gait and balance in individuals with chronic incomplete traumatic SCI, in a randomized controlled trial design. METHODS: Individuals with traumatic and chronic (≥18 months) motor incomplete SCI (level C2 to T12, American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D) were recruited from an outpatient SCI rehabilitation hospital, and randomized to FES-assisted walking therapy (intervention group) or aerobic and resistance training program (control group). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 4, 6, and 12 months. Gait, balance, spasticity, and functional measures were collected. RESULTS: Spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) mobility sub-score improved over time in the intervention group compared with the control group (baseline/12 months: 17.27/21.33 vs. 19.09/17.36, respectively). On all other outcome measures the intervention and control groups had similar improvements. Irrespective of group allocation walking speed, endurance, and balance during ambulation all improved upon completion of therapy, and majority of participants retained ...