Selecting candidates for a lower limb stimulator implant programme: a patient-centred method
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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
D N Rushton1, F M Barr, N de N Donaldson
1Department of Rehabilitation, King's College Hospital, London.
Objective:
To develop an effective selection procedure for lower limb functional neurostimulation (LLFNS) for standing in paraplegia.
Design:
The selection procedure and exclusion criteria were based on the previous experience for two clinical centres with experience of LLFNS.
Setting:
Two Regional Spinal Injuries units in southern England.
Subjects:
254 fully rehabilitated paraplegics living in the community.
Intervention:
Patients were invited to participate in the programme, and if suitable to subject themselves to a rigorous staged selection procedure from which they could withdraw at any time.
Outcome Measure:
Functionally successful home standing using closed-loop surface electrical stimulation.
Results:
57/254 patients were suitable on paper and were accessible. 19 of these (CI = 10-28) were interested in the project and attended one of the spinal centres for details. Twelve (CI = 5-19) of these fulfilled the selection criteria and started on the training programme; and 10 of them completed the muscle training programme successfully. Seven patients (CI = 2-12) achieved closed-loop standing in the laboratory and four patients (CI = 1-8) did so at home.
