Gait synchronized neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the gluteus medius on a patient with right hemiparesis: a case report

Background and Purpose: Although the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to return gait speed and function in patients poststroke is well documented, the use of NMES to the gluteus medius in patients with hemiparesis is not well described. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of gait synchronized NMES to the right gluteus medius of a patient with right hemiparesis who had poor hip abduction control during the stance phase of the gait cycle and impaired balance.Case Description: A 72-year-old female presented to the emergency department with right-sided hemiparesis. During her fifteen day stay in in-patient rehabilitation she demonstrated a Trendelenburg gait pattern, indicating the use of functional NMES to the gluteus medius to help improve her hip abduction control during the stance phase of gait.Outcomes: After intervention which included traditional rehabilitation as well as functional NMES, the patient's gait speed increased from 0.22 m/s to 0.69 m/s and her Berg Balance Scale (BBS) increased from a 14/56 to 32/56 over a 14 day period indicating an improvement in dynamic balance and community ambulation.Discussion: This case report outlines the novel use of NMES to the gluteus medius during the stance phase of the gait cycle in a patient with poor hip abductor control.