[Early motor rehabilitation with the help of a software/hardware complex "Vertical" in acute period of stroke].

The purpose of our study was the investigation of effectiveness of restoration of lost motor functions in acute period of stroke with the help of software/hardware complex "Vertical". This complex includes a functional bed-trainer for leg movements with phase-dependent functional electrical myostimulation (FES). Fifty-five subjects (mean age 64 +/-1.5 years) were assigned randomly to two groups receiving standard rehabilitation (a control group--27 subjects) and standard rehabilitation combined with the treatment by the "Vertical" complex (FES group--28 subjects). The treatment course was started on average 9 +/- 4 days after stroke and consisted of 30 min sessions 5 days per week during 2 weeks. Outcome was assessed by a battery of scales, everyday movement abilities and biomechanical parameters before and after treatment. No significant differences were found in baseline measurements. After the treatment, there was a positive dynamics in both groups with significant improvement in scores in the FES group. Most of patients of this group (67%) had hemiparesis of mild degree compared to the control group (7%, p < 0.05) to the end of treatment. Also 89% of subjects in the FES group were able to walk without assistance after treatment as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in ankle flexors and extensors force of the paretic leg as well as in ankle joint movements of voluntary "walking" in the supine position in the FES group (p < 0.05).