Effect of cycling and functional electrical stimulation with linear and interval patterns of timing on gait parameters in patients after stroke: a randomized clinical trial

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Abstract
Objective: Patients in the chronic phase after a stroke are an underrepresented group in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of cycling and functional electrical stimulation with linear versus interval patterns of timing on gait parameters in patients after stroke. Design: A double blinded, parallel, randomized clinical trial. Setting: Neuroscience Institute. Participants: Patients with lower limb disability due to stroke (N = 30) with a stroke onset >6 months and n = 16; linear group, n = 14). The Functional Ambulation Classification, Timed 10-Meter Walk Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test improved significantly in both groups. The Modified Modified Ashworth scale scores for quadriceps and plantar flexion statistically decreased after 4-weeks in the interval group. Significant group-by-time interaction was shown for Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.003, np2=0.228), knee flexion active range of motion (p < 0.001, np2=0.256) and dorsiflexion active range of motion (p < 0.001, np2=0.359). Modified Modified Ashworth scale and active range of motion in both the ankle and knee improved significantly in the interval group. Conclusions: The functional electrical stimulation with cycling protocols improved the Functional Ambulation Classification, Timed 10-Meter Walk Test, active range of motion, Timed Up and Go Test, and Modified Modified Ashworth scale. An interval protocol of timing was more effective than the linear protocol in terms of spasticity and active range of motion.

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