Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a selective implantable drop foot stimulator (ActiGait) in terms of effect on walking and safety.
DESIGN: A phase II trial in which a consecutive sample of participants acted as their own controls.
SUBJECTS: People who had suffered a stroke at least 6 months prior to recruitment and had a drop-foot that affected walking were recruited from 3 rehabilitation centres in Denmark.
METHODS: Stimulators were implanted into all participants. Outcome measures were range of ankle dorsiflexion with stimulation and maximum walking speed and distance walked in 4 minutes. Measurements were applied before implantation, at 90 days and at a long-term follow-up assessment. Changes over time and with and without stimulation are reported. Safety was evaluated by nerve conduction velocity and adverse events.
RESULTS: Fifteen participants were implanted and 13 completed the trial. Long-term improvements were detected in walking speed and distance walked in 4 minutes when stimulated, and the orthotic effect of stimulation showed statistically significant improvement. The device did not compromise nerve conduction velocity and no serious device-related adverse events were reported. Technical problems were resolved by the long-term follow-up assessment at which further improvement in walking was observed.
CONCLUSION: This trial has evaluated the safety and performance of the device, which was well accepted by patients and did not compromise safety.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Supplement |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 3 |
Pages (from-to) | 212-8 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 1650-1977 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2007 |
Keywords
- Aged
- Electric Stimulation Therapy
- Electrodes, Implanted
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Foot
- Gait
- Hemiplegia
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Safety
- Stroke
- Walking