Functional Electrical Stimulation Versus Whole-Body Vibration in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Comparative Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Whole Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Motor Control, Balance and Physical Performance in Post-Stroke Patients

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• the patient is between the ages of 35 and 70.
• Both male and female participants will be included.
• Chronic post-stroke patients from 6 months to 1 year.
• Stroke patients who have a neurological impairment.
• Individuals who experienced a single stroke in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain.
• Lower limb motor impairment with Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Score ≤ 28.
• Barthel Index Score ≥ 60.
• Berg Balance Scale Score ≥ 21.

Exclusion Criteria:

patients suffering from unstable cardiac condition, severe hypertension, congestive heart failure, aphasia, or cognitive impairments for which exercises are contraindicated.

• Patients with recurrent stroke.
• Patients undergoing other form of lower limb stimulation therapy concurrently.
• Severe orthopedic conditions or joint deformities affecting lower limb.