Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation combined with Treadmill Training and Challenging Tasks in a Patient with Stroke: A Case Report

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. Advancements in medical science and technology have contributed to a reduction in the mortality rate among individuals who have experienced a stroke. The present study presents findings from a single case report employing a single-subject research design. To achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) was incorporated with Treadmill Training (TT), accompanied by challenging tasks during physiotherapy. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 66-year-old male post-stroke patient with left-sided weakness, impaired grip strength, and mobility issues following a right Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) ischaemic stroke. His medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension, with no significant family medical history reported. The patient presented with notable motor deficits and functional limitations resulting from the right MCA ischaemic stroke. Interventions targeting spasticity reduction, muscle strengthening, endurance, and gait retraining were essential to improve the patient’s functional mobility and overall quality of life. The findings revealed significant improvement in various outcome measures, including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Voluntary Motor Control (VMC), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), indicating positive changes and enhanced quality of life in stroke survivors. The cumulative effect of FES and TT with challenging tasks can significantly improve gait, muscle strength, and balance in patients recovering from stroke.