Patient Satisfaction of Using the ActiGait® Drop Foot Stimulator System and Effect of Treatment on Walking

In this case-control study of ten chronic stroke patients with drop foot we report preliminary data on patient satisfaction, self-assessed changes in walking performance, effect on walking speed as well as adverse effects after surgical implantation of the ActiGait (R) drop foot stimulator in a clinical setting at Aalborg University Hospital. Using The Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement and a ten meter walk test as well as standard neurophysiological measurements we demonstrate an increase in self-assessed walking performance and patient satisfaction and an apparent increase of walking speed after implantation of the ActiGait (R) drop foot stimulator. The orthotic effect of ActiGait (R) stimulation on gait results in increased walking speed. This is achieved without negative effects on nerve conduction velocity as measured three months after surgical implantation. Measurements were performed three, six and twelve months after implantation demonstrating an increasing degree of patient satisfaction over time. Implementation of ActiGait (R) in a daily clinical setting seems safe with high patient satisfaction whereas, interpretation of the effect on walking speed must be performed with great care due to the small population size, the case control design and the limitations of the ten meter walk test in describing walking quality and safety.