Walking on an uneven surface: The effect of common peroneal stimulation on gait parameters and relationship between perceived and measured benefits in a sample of participants with a drop-foot

Objectives. To examine the effect of using a common peroneal stimulator on an even and an uneven surface, and to compare measures with perceived response to stimulation. Method. Participants had a drop-foot caused by a stroke (N = 13) or multiple sclerosis (N = 7) and had used a common peroneal stimulator for > 3 months prior to the study. Walking speed and physiological cost index (PCI) were recorded under four conditions: with and without stimulation over an even and an uneven surface. Participants also completed a questionnaire. Results. A statistically significant increase in walking speed and decrease in PCI was identified when the stimulator was used. There was a trend to greater improvement on the uneven compared to the even surface. A correlation between perceived benefit of stimulation and a measured decrease in PCI was detected. Conclusion. Stimulation may be particularly beneficial for the more difficult task of walking on an uneven surface. Perceived benefit was related to a reduction in effort of walking, not in increased speed.