This study will compare the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT) on lower limb motor control, balance, and physical performance in post-stroke patients. It will be a single-blinded randomized clinical trial including 34 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive their respective interventions 4 days per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower extremity motor control, Berg Balance Scale for balance, and Barthel Index for physical performance.
Stroke is an acute focal injury of the central nervous system caused by a vascular source, which results in neurological deficits and can cause disability or death. Stroke can lead to motor weakness, sensory deficiency and loss of motor control. Patients who have had a stroke frequently experience issues with their balance, gait and physical performance. Whole-Body Vibration Training (WBVT) is a non-pharmacological intervention that transmits vibration stimulation throughout the body and has demonstrated promise in improving balance, mobility, and physical function in stroke rehabilitation. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation technique that helps stroke survivors regain motor skills by stimulating certain nerves with electrical impulses applied via the skin's surface, which causes paretic muscles to move. FES can be utilized to improve physical performance, muscle strength, and balance in stroke patients. Strokes frequently lead to poor physical performance, diminished balance, and impaired lower limb motor control, all of which have an adverse effect on daily functioning and quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Whole Body Vibration Training on lower limb motor control, balance, and physical performance in post-stroke patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
34
Functional Electrical Stimulation will be delivered transcutaneously to selected lower limb muscles for 8 weeks. Stimulation will target tibialis anterior, quadriceps, hamstrings, peroneal muscles, and other lower limb muscles according to patient need and tolerance. The intervention will use biphasic symmetrical pulsed current with progressive intensity, duration, and functional movement integration. Treatment will be supervised by a physiotherapist, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks.
Whole Body Vibration Training will be delivered using a vibration platform for 8 weeks. Participants will perform progressive lower limb activities including standing, semi-squat, heel raises, dynamic squatting, side-to-side weight shifting, and one-leg stance exercises. Frequency, duration, and difficulty will be progressed according to patient tolerance under physiotherapist supervision.
Hafiz Physiotherapy Center
Gujrat, Punjab Province, Pakistan
lower Limb Motor Control
Assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
Balance
Assessed using the Berg Balance Scale.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
Physical Performance
Assessed using the Barthel Index Scale.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
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