Immediate Effects of Tibialis Anterior Stimulation on Gait Velocity in Individuals With Stroke.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Kotz (Russian) stimulation on the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in chronic stroke patients to improve gait mechanics, specifically targeting TA muscle activation patterns essential for gait. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with a significant burden in India. Impairments in gait, such as decreased stance phase, prolonged swing phase, reduced walking speed, and decreased stride length, heighten fall risk and compromise independence in stroke survivors. The tibialis anterior muscle plays a crucial role in ankle dorsiflexion for foot clearance and placement during the gait cycle, yet stroke often disrupts muscle activation patterns, increasing fall susceptibility. Kotz stimulation has shown positive effects on the motor system in neurological patients, enhancing postural stability and gait. This study seeks to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Kotz stimulation on TA muscle activation, aiming to improve gait performance and functional outcomes in chronic stroke patients.