Effects of Electrical Stimulation in Foot Drop and Restoration of Normal Gait Pattern
Electrical Stimulation in Foot Drop
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55735/hjprs.v3i8.190Keywords:
electrical stimulation, foot drop, gait and balance training, normal gait patternAbstract
This presents a case study that observes the efficacy of the functional electrical stimulation method in promoting recovery by strengthening the muscles to correct foot drop. For example, stimulation of the tibialis anterior and extensor digits digitorum longus improved ankle dorsiflexion that led to balanced walking without causing the foot to get inverted or everted. Efficiency was assessed by measuring the range of motion before and after stimulations which showed wonderful effects. Without stimulation, the toe of the affected leg was dragging across the ground. The functional electrical stimulations of the tibialis anterior muscle and deep peroneal nerve elevated the foot such that the toe clears the ground. The normal range of motion of the affected foot after the application of stimulations was recovered. Dorsiflexion was improved up to 18° from 0° remarkably, plantar flexion form 35° to 38°, inversion from 25° to 30°, eversion form 15° to 20°. The range of motion was measured through a goniometer. Further muscle strengthening, stretching exercises, gait and balance training exercises helped in correcting the foot drop and restoring the normal gait pattern. The transition from a high steppage gait to a normal gait pattern improved the postural defect and thus enhanced the quality of life.
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