Article

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and potential efficacy of 'activeTENS'
(that is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) during everyday
activities) by assessing the immediate effects on strength, proprioception,
balance / falls risk and mobility after stroke. Design:
A paired-sample randomized
cross-over trial. Subjects: Twenty-nine mobile chronic stroke survivors with no
pre-existing conditions limiting balance or mobility or contra-indications to TENS. Setting: University clinical research facility. Intervention: A single
session of 'activeTENS' delivered via a 'sock electrode' (70-130 Hz, five second
cycle) plus a session of control treatment (wearing the sock electrode with no
stimulation), lasting approximately two hours in total. Main Outcomes:
Dorsiflexor and plantarflexor strength and proprioception using an isokinetic
dyanometer, balance and falls risk (Standing Forward Reach Test) and gait speed
(10-m walk test). Results: All participants tolerated 'active TENS'. Most
parameters improved during stimulation with activeTENS; balance (p = 0.009), gait
speed (p = 0.002), plantarflexor strength (p = 0.008) and proprioception of
plantarflexion (p = 0.029), except dorsiflexor strength (p = 0.194) and
dorsiflexion proprioception
(p = 0.078). Conclusions:
The results provide initial
evidence of the potential of 'active TENS' to benefit physical function after
stroke which warrants further phase II trials to develop the intervention.
Concerns that stimulation could have a detrimental impact on balance and increase
risk of falls were not supported.

Langue : ANGLAIS