Uso combinado de estimulación eléctrica funcional y entrenamiento mediante perturbaciones para el tratamiento del equilibrio en una persona con accidente cerebrovascular:un estudio de caso

Abstract

Introduction Stroke is a frequent disease that entails different sequelae, among which are the affectation of ankle motion and balance disorders. Various therapeutic can be used to treat these deficits, including functional electrical stimulation (FES) and disturbance gait training. Objective To analyse the results of a combined intervention of FES and gait training with disturbances, as well as to verify the repercussions on the execution of activities of daily living and the person's participation. Methods The case of a man with left hemiparesis because of a stroke was studied. The rehabilitation protocol consisted of 20 sessions of 50min (2sessions/week) where balance and gait training were combined with Balance Tutor™ and FES with Fesia Walk. The results were evaluated with the scales: 10Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC). Results Clinical improvements were observed in the assessed scales, especially in the BESTest and the ABC. Conclusions This is a satisfactory proof of concept of the combination of two techniques, and more research is needed on it in people with stroke and other neurological diseases.