The immediately effect of combination treatment peripheral sensory nerve stimulation of tibial nerve and task-oriented training for acute stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: To investigated influence that combination treatment of Peripheral Sensory Nerve Stimulation (PSS) of the tibial nerve and task-oriented training gave to plantar flexion strength and gait ability of patients with acute stroke. Methods: Fourteen inpatients with acute stroke hemiplegia were assined into two groups, performed PSS group (PSS group, n=7) and paste electrode only, did not perform PSS group (placebo group, n=7). Both groups went with task-oriented exercise for thirty minutes. Outcome measures were Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), maximum gait speed, plantar flexion strength. All patients were evaluated before and after training. Results: MAS did not change in both group. PSS group showed significantly improvement in maximum gait speed and plantar flexion strength after intervention. Conclusion: PSS of the tibial nerve and task-oriented training in combined treatment suggested that immediately improved maximum gait speed and plantar flexion strength in acute stroke patients.