AMES Treatment of the Impaired Leg in Chronic Stroke Patients

AMES Treatment of the Impaired Leg in Chronic Stroke Patients

The purpose of this protocol is to determine if individuals who had a stroke more than one year before entering the study and whose ankles remain substantially impaired are able to sense and move the affected leg better after 9-13 weeks of treatment with a robotic therapy device (AMES).

Our research objective is to develop procedures to rehabilitate those stroke patients who, through conventional therapies, are not brought to a level of maximal recovery. The aims of the proposed project are to obtain a set of data from a total of 20 chronic stroke subjects, all with severe lower extremity disability, between the ages of 18-85, using a robotic therapeutic device placed in a rehabilitation clinic. This data will allow us to quantify the extent to which a combination of robotic-assisted exercise and tendon vibration from the AMES beta device induces secondary recovery from the effects of stroke on the lower extremity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Spastic hemiparesis
• At least 12 months post-stroke
• Can comfortably fit foot in treatment device
• Functioning proprioception
• Fugl-Meyer LE score >6 and <23
• Minimal hemi-neglect
• Observable volitional movement of the ankle in either plantar- or dorsi-flexion
• Cognitively and behaviorally capable of complying with the regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fractures of treated limb resulting in loss of range of motion
• Spinal cord injury
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Peripheral nerve injury or neuropathy in the affected limb with motor disability
• Osteoarthritis limiting range of motion
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure/angina
• Exercise intolerant
• Skin condition not tolerant of device
• Progressive neurodegenerative disorder
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Botox treatment within last 5 months
• Baclofen pump