Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can help people who have damage to their brain or spinal cord. FES can help by strengthening weak muscle or help those who may drag or catch their foot whilst walking.
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Registered in England & Wales Reg No. 5988036. © Copyright Neurophysioplus Ltd 2007
Registered in England & Wales Reg No. 5988036. © Copyright Neurophysioplus Ltd 2007
At NPP we can assess you for all your FES needs.
FES uses small electrical impulses to activate weak or paralysed muscles to produce useful movements. Self-adhesive (electrodes) are placed on the skin close to the nerves supplying the muscles. Electrical impulses travel along the nerves and stimulate the muscles to contract; this helps to strengthen and feed the muscles. Leads connect the electrodes to a small battery powered stimulator.
There are two types of FES, one designed to lift the foot (drop-foot stimulator) and the other used as an exerciser to strengthen muscles; often described as a Microstim®.
A muscle stimulator is indicated to strengthen weak muscles and as an adjunct to Physiotherapy and spasticity management. The electrodes are placed over the muscles and the pre-programmed box stimulates the muscles for a short period, followed by a short period of rest. This cycle is repeated usually for twenty minutes.
At NPP we have a group of highly skilled Physiotherapists that can assess for all your physiotherapy needs and advise you whether FES is an appropriate treatment.
At NPP we have a group of highly skilled Physiotherapists that can assess for all your physiotherapy needs and advise you whether FES is an appropriate treatment.
Microstim® (Muscle Stimulator):
There are various stimulators on the market. These include the PACE®, the Bioness® and the Truelife® systems; essentially they all work on the same principle. However, they all have unique benefits, but do vary considerably in price. The simplest, the PACE® is extremely effective and can often be supplied on the NHS. NPP would be happy to assess and advise client suitability.
The most common problem treated using FES is "drop-foot". This is the inability to lift the toes during the swing phase of the gait cycle (taking a step forward) causing the toes to catch or the foot to drag on the ground. Drop-foot results from weakness of the muscles on the front of the lower leg that lift the foot. This problem can be exacerbated by tightness (spasticity) in the calf muscles. Using a drop-foot stimulator stimulates these weak muscles and assists with walking. The system is switched on and off via a pressure switch placed in the shoe that is activated when stepping.
A minimum prerequisite for a drop-foot stimulator is that the individual must be able to stand and take a few steps, with or without a walking aid.
Drop-Foot Stimulator:
Individuals who have weak muscles or have difficulty lifting their feet whilst walking. Typical cases may include those who have had a Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or those who have a spinal cord injury. For FES to be effective it is essential that the nerve fibres between the spinal cord and the muscles are not damaged. FES is seldom indicated for those that have peripheral neuropathies or peripheral nerve damage.
Who may benefit from FES?
Call us on 0800 917 3330