Electrical foot massages help stroke victims walk again
Hong Kong researchers have found that a type of electrical foot massage can help stroke victims walk again. The finding may lead to the development of a new product for that specific purpose.
Polytechnic University researchers found that with electrical foot stimulation almost twice as many stroke victims regain their ability to walk.
The treatment works by applying electrical impulses to neurons in the feet, stimulating and strengthening healthy brain cells to take over the work of those damaged by the stroke. 'Our belief is that the effect of stimulation could be transmitted from the neurons in their feet back to their brain to strengthen the undamaged brain cells,' said Christina Hui-Chan Wan-ying, head of the research team.
'As our brain controls different motions, we can help patients retrain their brain and regain the maximum possible walking ability.'
She said patients would also have to undergo physiotherapy in addition to the electrical therapy.
A product that takes advantage of the team's findings would help patients return to a normal life and lower medical costs, said Professor Hui-Chan, who also heads the university's department of rehabilitation sciences.