Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on hemiplegic gait of acute stroke patients. Methods 41 stroke patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=20). All the patients received conventional rehabilitation and body weight supported treadmill training, and the treatment group received FES in addition. The patients were evaluated with the Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and 8 weeks after intervention. Results There was no significant difference in all the assessment between two groups before intervention (P>0.05). The scores of CSS, FAC and BBS improved in both groups 8 weeks after intervention (P<0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion FES could further improve ambulation of stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, body weight supported treadmill training, functional electrical stimulation, ambulation, spasticity, balance