Effect of an EMG–FES Interface on Ankle Joint Training Combined with Real-Time Feedback on Balance and Gait in Patients with Stroke Hemiparesis

This study evaluated the effects of an electromyography–functional electrical stimulation interface (EMG–FES interface) combined with real-time balance and gait feedback on ankle joint training in patients with stroke hemiplegia. Twenty-six stroke patients participated in this study. All subjects were randomly assigned to either the EMG–FES interface combined with real-time feedback on ankle joint training (RFEF) group (n = 13) or the EMG–FES interface on ankle joint training (EF) group (n = 13). Subjects in both groups were trained for 20 min a day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. Similarly, all participants underwent a standard rehabilitation physical therapy for 60 min a day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. The RFEF group showed significant increases in weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), Tardieu Scale (TS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, stance per, and swing per (p < 0.05). Likewise, the EF group showed significant increases in WBLT, TUG, BBS, velocity, and cadence (p < 0.05). Moreover, the RFEF group showed significantly greater improvements than the EF group in terms of WBLT, Tardieu Scale, TUG, BBS, velocity, step length, stride length, stance per, and swing per (p < 0.05). Ankle joint training using an EMG–FES interface combined with real-time feedback improved ankle range of motion (ROM), muscle tone, balance, and gait in stroke patients. These results suggest that an EMG–FES interface combined with real-time feedback is feasible and suitable for ankle joint training in individuals with stroke.