| Objective: To investigate the rehabilitation effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with kinesiology tape on foot drop after stroke. Methods: A total of 70 patients with foot drop after stroke from January 2019 to June 2020 were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 35 cases in each group. Both groups received routine rehabilitation training, including exercise training and posture control training. Additionally, the NMES group received NMES treatment, and the combined group received NMES combined with kinesiology tape. The course of treatment was 4 weeks. The ankle range of motion, foot varus angle and foot drop angle were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The 10 minute walking ability test (10mWT) index, the time up and go test (TUGT) index and the physiological energy consumption index (PCI) were compared between the two groups. The maximum integrated electromyography (iMEG) index of tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius muscle, and the limb synergetic contraction rate (CR) during foot dorsiflexion were compared between the two groups. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. Results: The ankle dorsiflexion angle was significantly greater, the foot varus angle and the foot drop angle were significantly smaller, the 10mWT and iMEG indexes of anterior tibial muscle were significantly higher, and the TUGT time was significantly shorter, and PCI, iMEG index of gastrocnemius muscle and CR of dorsiflexion of foot were significantly lower in the combined group than in the NMES group (all P<0.05). The clinical efficacy in the combined group was significantly better than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: NMES combined with kinesiology tape can improve iMEG index of tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius muscle, reduce CR during foot dorsiflexion, increase ankle joint range of motion, foot varus and foot drop angle, and improve walking function of affected limb. It has significant effect on foot drop after stroke. |
