A foot drop compensation device based on surface multi-field functional electrical stimulation-Usability study in a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomedical Devices

Background:

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses electrical pulses to restore sensory/motor function.
• FES for foot drop offers assistive and therapeutic benefits.
• Multi-field electrodes show promise but can increase system complexity; usability is key for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability and feasibility of the Fesia Walk device for neurorehabilitation.
• To assess the integration of surface multi-field electrode technology in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Fesia Walk device featuring a surface multi-field electrode and automatic calibration.
• Usability study involving 4 therapists and 10 acquired brain injury patients (8 stroke, 2 TBI).

Main Results:

• High user satisfaction reported via the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (average scores 4.1/5 for users, 4.2/5 for therapists).
• Therapists rated the Fesia Walk device as "excellent" on the System Usability Scale (average 85.6/100).

Conclusions:

• Surface multi-field electrode technology can be integrated into simple, intuitive devices for neurorehabilitation.
• The Fesia Walk device is feasible for successful integration into common neurorehabilitation programs.