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Related Experiment Videos

BIONic WalkAide for correcting foot drop.

Douglas J Weber1, Richard B Stein, K Ming Chan

  • 1Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H9, Canada. weber.doug@gmail.com

IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering : a Publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
|July 12, 2005
PubMed
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This study shows that implantable microstimulators (BIONs) effectively correct foot drop, offering a practical alternative to surface electrical stimulation for improved walking. BIONs provide more selective muscle control and enhance toe clearance during ambulation.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Foot drop, a common mobility impairment, significantly affects walking ability and quality of life.
  • Functional electrical stimulation (FES) offers a potential solution for foot drop management.
  • Current FES systems using surface electrodes have limitations in selectivity and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using microstimulators (BIONs) for correcting foot drop.
  • To compare the performance of BION-based FES with conventional surface FES for foot drop.
  • To assess the impact of BION stimulation on ankle kinematics, toe clearance, and walking effort.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a prototype BIONic foot drop stimulator by modifying existing surface stimulation technology.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparison of BION stimulation of the deep peroneal nerve with surface stimulation of the common peroneal nerve.
  • Three-dimensional motion analysis to quantify ankle and foot kinematics during walking.
  • Measurement of the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) to assess walking effort.

    • Main Results:

    • BION stimulation resulted in more balanced ankle flexion without foot eversion compared to surface stimulation.
    • The BIONic system achieved a toe clearance of 3 cm, matching the unaffected leg, significantly improving ground clearance.
    • Physiological Cost Index (PCI) was substantially reduced with both surface and BION stimulation, indicating decreased walking effort.
    • Walking speed increased significantly with both stimulation methods, with BION stimulation showing promising results.

    Conclusions:

    • Functional electrical stimulation using BIONs is a feasible and effective method for correcting foot drop.
    • BIONs offer more selective muscle activation and improved control over ankle movement compared to surface stimulation.
    • This technology presents a practical and potentially superior alternative to current surface FES systems for foot drop rehabilitation.