300PV  FES Foot Drop Stimulator

Patients who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA or Stroke) will present with varying degrees of motor control deficits. Loss of motor control contributes to decreased and limited functional abilities. For example, if motor control over ankle dorsiflexion is lost or compromised, proper positioning of the foot for normal gait mechanics is affected. As a result, rehabilitation programs following a CVA focus on improving motor function or motor control.

Various therapy models exist for achieving improved motor function of CVA patients. Knowledge of central motor neuroplasticity, which emphasizes the post injury reorganizational abilities of the cortex, is central to stroke rehabilitation. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity, recent insights into the process of motor relearning suggest that motor recovery may be maximized by early initiation of active, repetitive use of the affected limb.

Patients recovering from a CVA, especially in the early stage of rehabilitation, typically present with poor active control of dorsiflexion making this goal difficult to achieve. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can provide a simple means to achieve active, repetitive movement.

FES can be used in all stages of rehabilitation for those patients who present with a lack of motor control over ankle dorsiflexion. By utilizing a hand or heel switch, FES can be used as an orthotic assist allowing for augmentation of the patient’s volitional control in a functional manner. Selecting the correct device parameters and instructing the patient in proper use, both clinically and at home, are keys to optimal outcomes.

Treatment decisions should be based on a full patient evaluation and individualized for each patient.

Q1: What is FES Foot Drop Stimulator?
A.: Foot drop is defined as a deficit of dorsiflexion and / or eversion of the ankle. This will be frequently associated with lack of heel strike. FES can be successfully used to correct inversion at first contact to significantly improve the stability of the
ankle in the stance phase, improving the safety of gait.

FES foot drop stimulator acts like a walking aid. During the swing phase of each gait cycle, the ankle dorsiflexors or the common peroneal nerve are stimulated to achieve toe clearance. Its function is similar to conventional Ankle-Foot Orthosis.

The foot drop stimulator consists of a pocket-size main unit, a foot switch and two adhesive surface electrodes connected with wires. The stimulator can be placed in the pocket or belt while the electrodes are located at the lower leg and the foot switch is put under the heel within the shoe.


Stimulation is interrupted when load is applied to the foot switch, When load is relieved on the foot switch (raising the heel), the tibialis anterior muscle is stimulated and the front of the foot is lifted.



In addition to foot drop, deficits in knee flexion or extension, hip extension and
abduction and push off at terminal stance can be addressed. FES can be used to
strengthen and / or control other muscles used in gait such as hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteal and calf muscles.

Q2: Can FES Foot Drop Stimulator treat foot drop?
A: Foot drop is due to brain injury or lesion of nerves, which affects the transmission of nerve impulses resulting in the foot not being able to dorsiflex. Walking can be improved for most users. Patients can improve balance during walking, reduce spasticity of quadriceps, increase the range of motion of their ankle and improve gait.

Q3: Are all patients with foot drop suitable to use FES Foot Drop Stimulator?
A: Suitability to use FES depends on the physical condition of users, which includes self-caring ability, the extent of spasticity of lower limbs, skin receptiveness to electrical simulation, etc.

Q4: How long does a sufferer use FES Foot Drop Stimulator per day?
At the very beginning, patients are suggested to try FES at home for two weeks, half an hour on the first day and then increase the duration gradually. Only when they feel confident with the system, they can use FES outdoors. Usually, the users can walk with FES for several hours.

Q5: How to decide the placement of electrodes?
A: The position of electrodes is determined by a clinician who will test the most effective position.

Q6: Contraindications for FES Foot Drop Stimulator

• Poor skin condition is a contraindication as sores or irritation prevents the use of self adhesive electrodes
• Poorly controlled epilepsy. Where epilepsy is controlled by drugs or there has been no fits experienced for a reasonable period, FES can be used
• A history of significant autonomic dysreflexia in incomplete spinal cord injury above T6
• The effect of FES on the unborn child is not known in pregnancy
• Active medical implants such as cardiac pacemakers or other devices must be treated with caution and information sought from the device supplier about the use of electrical stimulation in their presence. Additional clinical test may be required to determine the safety of FES.
• Patients with a cancerous tumour in the area of the electrical stimulation should be excluded as increased local blood flow may increase tumour growth
• Patients with exposed orthopaedic metal work in the area of electrical stimulation should be avoided.