Restoring mobility after stroke: first kinematic results from a pilot study with a hybrid drop foot stimulator

Abstract

An implantable functional electrical stimulation system seems to be a promising treatment of drop feet following strokes. Further clinical investigations are necessary to confirm these first insights.

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Reducing Falls and Improving Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke

“…Increased dorsiflexion also was evident at initial contact, improving the ability to place the foot in the right position with respect to the ground avoiding premature forefoot contact and promoting foot evertion during mid swing. Our results are in agreement with the study of Van der Linden et al [12], in which subjects gained 2.6° at the ankle joint during gait with FES, and with the study of Yao et al [36], in which dorsiflexion increased in stroke patients on average from 1.3° to 11.6° during initial contact as well as from 11.3° to 17.0° during mid swing.…”

Predictive Simulation of Post-Stroke Gait and Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Case Report

“…Rehabilitation of post-stroke patients typically involves muscle strength training, the use of orthoses 7 , botulinum toxin injection 13 , and functional electrical stimulation (FES) 14 . An example of FES that has been shown to improve the gait of drop foot patients is the ActiGait device (Ottobock, Duderstadt, Germany), which is an implantable stimulator placed around the peroneal nerve 15,16 that can reduce the risk of falling and increase self-selected gait speed 17,18 .…”

“…We have observed different responses to FES among stroke patients with drop foot pathology in our gait laboratory. The FES device provides us with an opportunity to characterize gait in our patients with the device deactivated or activated 18 . Both gait conditions were analyzed using ID for a patient presenting with considerable gait disturbance.…”

Predictive simulation of post-stroke gait with functional electrical stimulation

“…The neuroprosthesis includes a heel switch that differentiates stance and swing phases during the gait cycle. Based on this information, an adjustable pulse is induced within the stimulator, the motor branch of the common peroneal nerve is stimulated, and a timely adequate dorsiflexion is achieved 21 , 22 . This FES may reduce the risk of falling and increase self-selected gait speed 22 , 23 .…”

“…We have observed different gait patterns and responses to FES among stroke patients with drop foot pathology in our gait laboratory. The FES device provides us with an opportunity to characterize gait in our patients with the device deactivated or activated 22 . Both gait conditions were analyzed using ID for a patient presenting with considerable gait disturbance.…”