2018 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 63-71
The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of task-oriented training combined with electrical stimulation on hip abductor in patients with femoral neck fracture. The patients were randomly allocated to either electrical stimulation group (ES group) or control group. In both groups, patients performed task-oriented training to improve walking ability. ES group was combined with electrical stimulation to the gluteus medius on the operation side. The intervention was carried out in 10 sessions. Hip abductor strength, knee extensor strength, pain, Timed up & go test, 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and gait parameters were assessed before and after intervention. In the ES group, the hip abductor strength on the operative side significantly improved compared to the control group, and an improvement trend of 6MWT were observed. There were significant positive correlation between the change in the hip abductor strength on the operative side and gait velocity, both step lengths, stride length and 6MWT in the ES group. In the patients with femoral neck fracture, task-oriented training combined with electrical stimulation on hip abductor may improve muscle strength and walking ability.
