The Role of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Preliminary Study

Background and purpose: Stroke often results in gait impairments such as foot drop. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) could promote neuromuscular recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of FES integrated into conventional neurorehabilitation on gait and activities of daily living in stroke patients with foot drop. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke were enrolled and randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving gait training with FES or a control group undergoing conventional rehabilitation. Both groups received 12 training sessions 3/week per 4/weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at T0 and T1 using the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25). Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups across all outcome measures after the intervention. However, statistical comparisons between the FES and conventional therapy groups did not yield significant differences. Discussion: The addition of FES to conventional rehabilitation is an effective and safe approach stroke patients' rehabilitation.