AMES Treatment of the Impaired Leg in Chronic Stroke Patients

Our research objective is to develop procedures to rehabilitate those stroke patients who,
through conventional therapies, are not brought to a level of maximal recovery. The aims of
the proposed project are to obtain a set of data from a total of 20 chronic stroke subjects,
all with severe lower extremity disability, between the ages of 18-85, using a robotic
therapeutic device placed in a rehabilitation clinic. This data will allow us to quantify
the extent to which a combination of robotic-assisted exercise and tendon vibration from the
AMES beta device induces secondary recovery from the effects of stroke on the lower
extremity.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Spastic hemiparesis

- At least 12 months post-stroke

- Can comfortably fit foot in treatment device

- Functioning proprioception

- Fugl-Meyer LE score >6 and <23

- Minimal hemi-neglect

- Observable volitional movement of the ankle in either plantar- or dorsi-flexion

- Cognitively and behaviorally capable of complying with the regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

- Fractures of treated limb resulting in loss of range of motion

- Spinal cord injury

- Deep venous thrombosis

- Peripheral nerve injury or neuropathy in the affected limb with motor disability

- Osteoarthritis limiting range of motion

- Uncontrolled high blood pressure/angina

- Exercise intolerant

- Skin condition not tolerant of device

- Progressive neurodegenerative disorder

- Uncontrolled seizure disorder

- Botox treatment within last 5 months

- Baclofen pump