An exploration of the experiences and utility of functional electrical stimulation for foot drop in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

 Implications for Rehabilitation  People with Multiple Sclerosis using functional electrical stimulation report benefits in many aspects of walking, improved psychological well-being and increased engagement in valued activities. 2  A number of challenges impact on functional electrical stimulation use. Factors such as; a positive experience using the device, access to professional help, the influence of others, a strong sense of personal autonomy and an individual's ability to adapt, influence an individual's decision to continue using functional electrical stimulation.  Clinicians prescribing functional electrical stimulation should be aware of these factors so that the right support and guidance can be provided to people with Multiple Sclerosis, thus improving outcomes and compliance over the long term.

Development of clinical guidelines for service provision of functional electrical stimulation to support walking: mixed method exploration of stakeholder views

“…Key findings from the qualitative and quantitative studies include the value placed on clinical guideline development from numerous and varied stakeholders. When exploring the views of FES-users, their family and carers, there was consistency with previous qualitative research, which supports the transferability of their accounts [ 4 , 18 , 19 ]. The current data supported previous studies that show people to weight the negative and positive impacts of FES when decision-making and elucidated possible barriers to FES use, including lack of funding, distance to reach the specialist service, contraindications, and issues that relate to a person’s ability to self-manage using FES.…”

“…This makes walking very tiring and difficult, with greater likelihood of trips, loss of balance, and falls. Taking part in activities and roles that require walking can be inhibited by fear and loss of confidence, increasing likelihood of social isolation and reduced independence, profoundly affecting quality of life [ 4 ]. Foot drop is estimated to affect approximately 20-30% of people with stroke [ 5 ].…”

Meaning of fabric orthoses to long-term users with multiple sclerosis: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…To our knowledge, this active learning process has only been identified before in one previous study. 25 In that study, functional electrical stimulation was used as an orthosis for foot drop in PwMS and the researchers investigated experiences after 12 months of use. 25 The specific technological skills and understanding associated with electrode placement may explain the prolonged learning process associated with functional electrical stimulation.…”

“…25 In that study, functional electrical stimulation was used as an orthosis for foot drop in PwMS and the researchers investigated experiences after 12 months of use. 25 The specific technological skills and understanding associated with electrode placement may explain the prolonged learning process associated with functional electrical stimulation. This does not apply to fabric orthoses but, nevertheless, the process of experiential learning seems similar and equally important.…”

A systematic literature review of ankle-foot orthosis and functional electrical stimulation foot-drop treatments for persons with multiple sclerosis

“…7 Although the exact prevalence of foot drop in MS is unknown, about 85% of persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) report gait impairments as their primary concern and that maintaining their mobility is one of their highest priorities. [8][9][10][11] Foot drop is a condition in which a loss of motor control prevents the foot from adequately dorsiflexing during the swing phase of the gait cycle. The dorsiflexor muscles not only generate the forces necessary to lift the toes upward but also are antagonists to the plantar flexors.…”