The Application of Wide Pulse High Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Disorders Associated With Motoneuron Hyperexcitability

Inclusion Criteria

• •STROKE PATIENTS:
• •Diagnosis of first-ever stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) with unilateral motor deficits from at least 6 months. Stroke will have to be confirmed from medical records and/or radiological imaging (CT scan or MRI)
• •Inadequate ankle control during gait defined as ankle dorsiflexion less than 5° during stance phase and 0° during swing phase; 0° = ankle neutral position)
• •Passive range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion at least to neutral position
• •Ability to walk at least 10 m with or without assistive devices
• •Spasticity at the triceps surae (either soleus and/or gastrocnemii) considered as a Modified Ashworth Sore ≥1
• •Being available for the study period and willing to participate
• •No contraindication to neuromuscular electrical stimulation
• •Contraindications for stroke patients:
• •Surface sensory loss of affected lower leg (defined as incapacity to feel the 60-g touch using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test)
• +28 more criteria