Comparison of Gait Metrics in Patients With Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis Before and After Functional Electrical Stimulation
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
Summary
People with neurological conditions often have difficulty walking, including problems such as foot drop. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that uses electrical signals to activate muscles and support walking. The L300 device is designed to help lift the foot during each step. This study will evaluate how using the L300 affects walking performance. Researchers will measure walking speed, step length, and walking symmetry using objective gait assessment tools. The study will also explore whether people with different neurological conditions respond differently to FES. The goal of this research is to improve understanding of how FES influences walking and to support more personalized rehabilitation approaches.
Description
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is an established therapeutic approach that applies electrical currents to peripheral nerves to elicit muscle contractions, thereby facilitating movement in individuals with neurological impairments. FES has demonstrated benefits for improving motor function and gait in populations such as stroke survivors, individuals with spinal cord injury, and those with multiple sclerosis. By activating muscles during walking, FES can enhance gait parameters including speed, stride length, and symmetry, ultimately supporting greater independence and mobility. Despi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-80 years. * Diagnosis of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis confirmed by medical records. * Presence of foot drop or impaired ankle dorsiflexion during gait. * Ability to ambulate at least 10 meters with or without assistive devices. * Cognitive ability to follow simple instructions and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe lower limb contractures or orthopedic conditions that limit gait. * Implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemaker) contraindicating FES use. * Uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., severe cardiac d…
Interventions
- DeviceFunctional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is an established therapeutic approach that applies electrical currents to peripheral nerves to elicit muscle contractions, thereby facilitating movement in individuals with neurological impairments. FES has demonstrated benefits for improving motor function and gait in populations such as stroke survivors, individuals with spinal cord injury, and those with multiple sclerosis. By activating muscles during walking, FES can enhance gait parameters including speed, stride length, and symmetry, ultimately supporting greater independence and mobility.
- DeviceNormal care
No device, no FES
Location
- Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for HealthcarePomona, California