Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jan 1978
Abnormalities of the gait occurring during recovery from fractures of the lower limb and their improvement during rehabilitation.
The gait patterns of 19 patients recovering from fractures of the lower limb were analysed using a metal track on which patients walked in shoes fitted with metal contacts. The technique demonstrated marked abnormalities of the gait when patients were admitted to a rehabilitation unit, with an overall reduction of the extent of these abnormalities during treatment. Marked improvements of gait occurred whilst the patients were walking with the aid of crutches. However, little improvement occurred whilst the patients walked with sticks, but when sticks were discarded further marked improvements occurred.
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Electrical stimulation is emerging as a new therapeutic and rehabilitative agent. Reviewed are pain control, restoration of lost functions and alteration of abnormal movement and other functions using electrical stimulation. Reported for acute and chronic pain control use are transcutaneous, dorsal column, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and direct brain stimulation methods and results. ⋯ Amelioration of abnormal function includes stimulation for epilepsy and cerebral palsy, certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis and scoliosis. The effects of electrostimulation are completely reversible and nondestructive. Technical details of devices and stimulus waveforms are also briefly considered.