About Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
Injury to your brain or spinal cord by trauma, or the effects of a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or incomplete paralysis can lead to a loss of movement or function and can inhibit your ability to walk. Our Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systems; the L300Go and L100 can help with rehabilitation, improving your walking ability and potentially reducing the risk of falls.
FES is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened due to damage to your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge then stimulates the muscle to contract, causing the joint to move. Recommended by the Royal College of Physicians, FES is also approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which has guidance stating FES can be offered routinely as a treatment option for people with foot drop (dorsiflexor weakness).
How do FES devices work?
For drop foot, the FES device is usually worn as a cuff below the knee but can sometimes also consist of a thigh cuff. When you are standing and your foot is in contact with the floor, there is no stimulation. However, when you start to walk, an embedded gyroscope and accelerometer know where the device is in space and detects that a step is being taken, causing the electrodes to stimulate the nerves that go to the muscle that would normally lift the front of your foot. This provides a controlled lifting and swing of your foot and toes when you are walking. The stimulation then stops again once your foot is in contact with the ground again.
FES solutions available from Ottobock.
L300 Go
People who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, or are living with conditions such as MS, cerebral palsy or incomplete paralysis often experience drop foot which can inhibit their ability to walk. The L300 Go system is designed to lift your foot as you walk, improving your gait pattern, and making walking smoother and safer.
Find your local FES Clinical Partner.
We have a selection of trained clinical FES partners throughout the UK who are able to assess you with either the L300 Go, L100 Go or H200. For a complete list please contact us using the form below.
See if FES is right for you or your loved one.
Complete the form below to find out more about our FES solutions and to book an assessment with one of our Clinical Partners.