Functional effect of an ankle foot orthosis on gait in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Objective: The objective was to determine whether an ankle foot orthosis improves gait velocity and tasks of functional ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: This cross-sectional study enrolled 15 participants with diagnosis of MS, dorsiflexion and eversion weakness, and more than 3 mos of using a physician-prescribed ankle foot orthosis (AFO). Subject ambulation was evaluated (1) without an AFO and (2) with an AFO.

Electrode fracture rates and occurrences of infection and granuloma associated with percutaneous intramuscular electrodes in upper-limb functional electrical stimulation applications.

This study was performed to assess the rate of electrode fracture and to provide an account of the occurrences of infection and granuloma associated with percutaneous intramuscular electrodes implanted in upper-limb muscles. Data were reviewed on 858 electrodes implanted in 62 research participants between October 1978 and July 1998. Survival analyses showed that the probability of an electrode remaining intact within the body at 6 months after implantation is 95%, and at 1 year is 91%.

Improvement in functional ambulation as a therapeutic effect of peroneal nerve stimulation in hemiplegia: two case reports.

Two chronic stroke survivors who utilized an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) prior to study entry were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of daily use of a surface peroneal nerve stimulator. Participants were assessed without their dorsiflexor assistive device, using the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP). The participants demonstrated improvement in all 5 components of the mEFAP relative to baseline.

Peroneal nerve stimulation versus an ankle foot orthosis for correction of footdrop in stroke: impact on functional ambulation.

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.