Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
FES for Walking
Functional Electrical Stimulation as a treatment for lower limbs.
FES and Walking
The most common problem treated by FES is called dropped foot. This is the inability to lift the foot and toes when walking, causing them to drag on the ground.
It is caused by weakness of the muscles that lift the foot and tightness (spasticity) in the muscles of the calf.
Stimulation is given to the muscles at the front of the leg which activates the muscles that lift the foot during walking. A switch worn in the shoe triggers the stimulation. The electrical signals reach the muscle through electrodes.
The stimulator is the size of a pack of cards and is operated by a small battery. It can be worn at the waist on a belt, in a pocket or on a knee strap.
Electrical stimulation can help people walk safer, faster, with less effort and with more confidence.
