Effects of treadmill training with functional electrical stimulation of the gluteus medius of a patient with stroke: A single case pilot study

Abstract

[Purpose]: The present study aimed to determine the effect of treadmill gait training with functional electrical stimulation (FES) on the gluteus medius. [Subject and Methods]: A 66-year-old man who had a stroke six years previously was studied using the A-B design with 12 weeks of follow up. We applied FES to the gluteus medius for the loading response period from the start of treadmill walking. [Results]: After the intervention, gait velocity and symmetry, abduction strength, and stance time increased, while the value on the modified Ashworth scale for the hip adductor muscle decreased. All values were maintained for 12 weeks thereafter. [Conclusion]: Treadmill training with FES of the gluteus medius may increase the gait speed of patients with chronic stroke.