Impact on Activities of Daily Living Using a Functional Electrical Stimulation Device to Improve Dropped Foot in People With Multiple Sclerosis, Measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
By Esnouf, J.E.; Taylor, P.N.; Mann, G.E.; Barrett, C.L.; Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Laboratory Research, Vol. 16, No. 9, pp. 1141-1147Publication Date: September 2010
Study undertaken to determine if the Odstock dropped foot stimulator (ODFS) improved activities of daily living (ADLs) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The ODFS is described as a single channel, foot switch controlled, external functional electrical stimulation (FES) device applying stimulation to the common peroneal nerve, using surface electrodes to elicit dorsiflexion and eversion of the ankle to aid foot clearance during the swing phase of walking. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 64 participants with unilateral dropped foot due to secondary progressive MS. Participants were assigned to a group using the ODFS or a group who received physiotherapy exercises for 18 weeks. Outcome measures were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and a falls diary. Results of 53 participants are reported. Improvements in performance and satisfaction scores were greater in the ODFS group than in the exercise group. Use of the ODFS was also perceived as effective in reducing tripping and increasing walking distance. The median number of falls were 5 in the ODFS group and 18 in the exercise group over the study period.
Published by: Sage Publications (Website:http://www.sagepub.com)
Link to text: http://msj.sagepub.com/content/16/9/1141.abstract
