Combined Functional Electrical and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Foot Drop: A Case Series

Summary

This study aims to determine if combining the treatments of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) will better help persons with stroke who have difficulty lifting their toes. As part of the treatment, subjects will receive electrical stimulation through pads on their scalp (similar to what one may have received in physical therapy previously to an arm or leg). This protocol is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Subjects will also receive electrical stimulation through pads on their leg. This is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). During treatment sessions, subjects will also perform leg activity/strengthening exercises. The aim is to evaluate whether combining FES and tDCS within a PT session would reduce foot drop as indicated by improvements in the amount of toe clearance and ankle motion persons with stroke.

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Standard protocol for combo of FES and tDCS

  The gait training consisted of treadmill training with forward and backward ambulation with speed progression as appropriate, ambulation over obstacles, ramp ambulation forwards and backwards, and stair ambulation up and down. In each condition, cues were to increase toe clearance on the affected limb and achieve heel strike at initial contact. Vitals were collected at the start and end of each session, and heart rate was measured at the end of each activity, along with the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), to determine whether the participant was working at a higher intensity than baseline.

Location