Electrical stimulation and treadmill gait in tetraplegic patients: assessment of its effects on the knee with magnetic resonance imaging - Chiropractic Treatment

Electrical stimulation and treadmill gait in tetraplegic patients: assessment of its effects on the knee with magnetic resonance imaging
May 8, 2007
F P Ferro, H J N Gonz?lez, D M Ferreira and A Cliquet Jr
Spinal Cord

Abstract
Study design: Evaluation of knees of tetraplegic patients who have been walking for several months with the aid of a system that involves neuromuscular stimulation, treadmill and a harness support device.

Objectives: To investigate if the training program could cause knee injury to tetraplegic patients.

Setting: Hospital das Clinicas Ò UNICAMP. Campinas-SP, Brazil.

Methods: Nine patients were evaluated. Clinical exam and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were used for evaluation. MRIs were taken before and after the training program, in a 6-month interval for each patient. There were two sessions of training every week. Each session lasted 20 min.

Results: No severe clinical abnormality was observed in any patient. Mild knee injury was observed in four of nine patients studied.

Conclusions: Tetraplegic patients undergoing treadmill gait training deserve a close follow-up to prevent knee injury.

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