Effectiveness of backward walking with functional electrical stimulation on the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior for patients with chronic stroke.

Abstract

Backward walking is considered as a newly rising method used to enhance gait abilities, but evidence remains unclear. To identify whether backward walking with functional electrical stimulation (FES) triggered by a foot switch on the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior could be effective in improving gait parameters of stroke survivors. This was a cross-sectional study that included fourteen subjects with chronic stroke. Three walking conditions were performed at random: backward walking with FES attached onto the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior (RF+TA), backward walking with FES attached onto the tibialis anterior (TA only), and without electrical intervention (non-FES). The Zebris was used to assess the spatiotemporal gait parameters. Each condition was measured three times and the average value was used for analysis. Results showed significant increases in gait speed, cadence, step length, mid-stance percentage, maximal force in the affected midfoot (p < 0.05), and significant decreases in the double stance phase in the RF+TA condition compared to the TA only and the non-FES conditions (p < 0.05). Functional electrical stimulation to the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior during backward walking could be a clinically effective method to improve gait ability of stroke survivors.