The purpose of this study is to examine the short term effect of functional electrical stimulation treatment versus neuro-muscular electrical stimulation on gait quality for patient after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Background: Quadriceps weakness is common following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The inadequate quadriceps strength contributes to altered gait patterns following ACL reconstruction. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to reduce quadriceps atrophy post-ACL reconstruction. However, the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES), a modulation of NMES which enables quadriceps stimulation synchronized with gait, has not been tested. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of FES to improve the gait pattern of patients post ACL reconstruction. Methods: Fifty six Individuals post-ACL reconstruction will be randomly placed into FES or NMES treatment group. All patients will receive a standard exercise program three sessions weekly. In addition, each group will receive a different electrical stimulation treatment: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Outcome measures will include spatiotemporal gait measures (e.g., gait speed, single limb support, and asymmetry index), as well as isometric quadriceps strength. Measures will be taken a week before the surgery, a week after it, and one month from the beginning of rehabilitation. Strength and gait pattern will be measured. Isometric Quadriceps strength will measured using the Biodex isokinetic system, and gait analysis will be carried out through the spatio-temporal Optogait system.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
23
Electrical stimulation that cause muscle contraction while walking
Electrical stimulation that cause muscle contraction in a stationary position
Subjects will receive training exercise according to ACL reconstruction protocol
Zrifin
Rishon LeZiyyon, Doar Tsvai, Israel
Percentages of single support at each leg
The test will perform with the Optogait system (a device for the Gait Analysis). Single support phase within the gait cycle during which the body mass is carried by a single limb. This parameter calculated by percentage of stride (normally about 40%).
Time frame: One year
strength symmetry
The method of assessment for this Outcome Measure is by calculated the differences between the right Quadriceps strength and the left Quadriceps strength
Time frame: One year
Gait speed
Measured by kilometer per hour
Time frame: One year
Step length
Measured by length of the average step for each leg
Time frame: One year
Quadriceps strength
Measured by maximal peak torque in each leg (through Biodex Isokinetic dynamometer)
Time frame: One year
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