Assessment of a two-channel implantable peroneal nerve stimulator post-stroke

Thesis outline and aims: to progress towards evidence based application of PNS to improve lower extremity function, the aim of the present thesis is to evaluate an implantable two-channel peroneal nerve stimulator versus conventional splinting as a treatment option for chronic stroke patients with a dropped foot. In chapter 2 a systematic review is described on the available evidence on the improvement of walking in stroke patients with a dropped foot when using PNS. Trials were identified that investigated the orthotic effect of FES on walking. All included studies were scored on methodological quality and studies that measured walking speed were pooled and a pooled difference including confidence interval was calculated. The review concludes that PNS seems to have a positive orthotic effect on walking speed in stroke patients with a dropped foot