Five-Year Follow-up of a Longitudinal Cohort Study of the Effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation for People with Multiple Sclerosis.
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ABSTRACT: Background:Few studies have examined the long-term consequences of using peroneal nerve functional electrical stimulation (FES) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examines orthotic effects on a longitudinal cohort and explores additional benefits of FES on self-reported measures such as joint pain. Methods:One hundred forty-five people with foot drop and MS were included (mean age, 52 [range, 28-74] years). Orthotic effects, unassisted walking speed, and clinically important differences (ie, ?0.05 and ?0.10 m/s) were derived from walking speed over 10 m. Visual analogue scales examined joint pain, walking effort, trips, confidence, and quality of life. Measures were taken on day 1, after 6 months, and at 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. Results:A significant difference was found overall for walking with FES compared with walking without FES for the 5-year period (P < .001). Despite a significant decline in overall unassisted walking speed at baseline (0.58 m/s) compared with 5 years later (0.46 m/s) (P < .001), participants achieved an orthotic effect with (0.52 m/s) versus without (0.46 m/s) FES after 5 years (P < .001). A significant decrease in joint pain was found after 6 months compared with day 1 (P = .004), which was maintained after 5 years (P < .001). Conclusions:Despite progression of MS, long-term users of FES still benefit from an orthotic effect after using FES for 5 years. The study highlights the need for further work to assess the perceived benefits of FES regarding the experience of joint pain.
SUBMITTER: Street T
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6200121 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep-Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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