[Functional electrostimulation for drop foot treatment : Clinical outcome]

Area of Science:

• Neuroprosthetics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Central nervous system damage, typically from cerebral insults, causes neurologic foot paralysis.
• Traditional ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) present limitations including contractures and restricted mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the ActiGait® system, an implantable neuroprosthesis.
• To assess the suitability of the ActiGait® system for daily use through gait analysis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study evaluating the ActiGait® system (Otto Bock).
• Implantation of the neurostimulator on the peroneal nerve motor branch.
• Gait tests focusing on time-distance parameters to assess clinical effects.

Main Results:

• The ActiGait® system facilitates active foot lifting.
• Clinical results indicate the system's effectiveness in managing stroke-related drop foot.

Conclusions:

• Implantation of the ActiGait® neuroprosthesis is a viable and promising therapeutic approach.
• This dynamic therapy option presents a sensible alternative for patients with drop foot.