Engineering

Ecology

Neuroscience

Biology

Functional electrical stimulation

Balance (ability)

Stimulation

Mechanical engineering

Gait

Rehabilitation

Psychology

Stroke (engine)

Berg Balance Scale

Physical therapy

Internal medicine

Trunk

Proprioception

Medicine

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Facilitation

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience

Background:EMG-triggered functional electrical stimulation (EMG-triggered FES) is one of the effective method for improving task performance and providing movement re-learning of central nervous system. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a traditional manual therapy that is used as a method to regain normal movement by providing specific training methods. Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EMG-triggered FES during trunk pattern in PNF on trunk control, balance, and gait of stroke patients. Methods:Forty participants were randomly allocated to EMG-triggered FES during PNF trunk pattern group (n = 20) and PNF trunk pattern group (n = 20). This study was a pretest-posttest with a control group design for duration of 4weeks (30 min/5 times/1 week). Outcome measures involved trunk impairment scale (TIS), Berg balance scale (BBS), and dynamic gait index (DGI). Results:In the experimental group and control group, TIS, BBS, and DGI score was significantly increased after intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the comparison of the experimental group and the control group according to the amount of change before and after the training. Conclusions:The results of this study showed that PNF trunk pattern affected the trunk control for stroke patients, and increased trunk control ability was effective in improving balance and walking. In addition, it was found that the EMG-triggered FES applied to the PNF trunk pattern affected the trunk control.

Effects of EMG-triggered FES during trunk pattern in PNF on balance and gait performance in persons with stroke