13.2.4 NEUROLOGICAL
CATEGORY NEUROLOGICAL
PROGRAM HEMIPLEGIC FOOT
WHEN?
One of the problems faced by hemiplegics is the greater or lesser degree of diculty
in raising the toe of the foot. Consequently, this produces steppage during the swing
phase of the gait.
This programme is not recommended if:
a) the stimulation of the levator muscles in the foot causes a spasm in the
muscles of the lower limb to reflex.
b) the spasticity of the triceps surae is high. In such cases use a preparation
programme which inhibits the tone.
WHY?
To prevent foot drop during the swing phase of the gait.
HOW?
By manually triggering an electrically induced tetanic contraction in the levator muscles
of the foot that is synchronised with the gait phase where the foot is lifted o the
ground.
PULSE WIDTH
To make it as comfortable as possible for the patient, use pulse widths equivalent to the
chronaxies of the motor nerves of the abdominal and lumbar muscles. The mi-SCAN
function can be used to determine the pulse widths suitable for the patient’s muscles.
ELECTRODES
Electrodes positioned depending on the muscle to be stimulated, in accordance with
the instructions.
INTENSITY
In this case, use an intensity that is sucient to provide a degree of contraction that
can cause dorsiflexion of the ankle during the swing phase of the gait.
+TENS
OPTION
No.
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