Functional electrical stimulation may reduce bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease: A feasibility study

OBJECTIVES: This feasibility study investigated the effect of combined upper and lower limb functional electrical stimulation (FES) to reduce bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease (PD). METHOD: Eleven people with PD and Hoehn and Yahr score 2–3 used FES to assist dorsiflexion and hand opening or fine hand movements for 2 weeks. Outcome measures were the nine-hole peg test, box and block test, 10 m walking test, Tinetti balance scale, modified Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQL), SPES/SCOPA scale, and compliance. All tests were carried out without FES. Comparisons were tested using the Student paired t-test. RESULTS: Two participants dropped out due to difficulty in using the equipment. Mean walking speed increased by 0.29 m s(−1) (p = 0.002), step length by 0.09 m (p = 0.007), and cadence by 19.8 steps min(−1) (p = 0.045). Tinetti balance score increased by 2.9 (p = 0.006). There was an increase in the box and block test of 5.1 (p = 0.025). The PD symptoms score of the PDQL improved by 4.9 (p = 0.013) and a reduction in SPES/SCOPA score of 5.7 (p = 0.005) indicated a reduced impact of PD. CONCLUSIONS: FES produced clinically meaningful improvements in gait and upper limb function. Some participants found using both interventions challenging and we would recommend that their introduction be staggered.