Electrical stimulation refers to the application of electrical impulses to the human body to produce targeted responses in muscles and nerves. This technique is often used in medicine, sports and physiotherapy to cause muscle contractions or influence nerve activity. Electrical stimulation is achieved by placing electrodes on the skin near the muscles or nerves to be stimulated. These electrodes conduct the electrical impulses into the body. The intensity, frequency and duration of the impulses are adjusted according to the goals of the treatment.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a medical technique in which electrical impulses are used to generate targeted muscle contractions in an area of the body. This method is often used in people with neurological disorders or paralysis to stimulate weakened or paralyzed muscles and restore or improve their function.
Impairment of the central nervous system (CNS), which is usually caused by multiple sclerosis, infantile cerebral palsy or events such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, often leads to such an interruption of the nerve impulse conduction from the brain to the hands and/or feet. Although the muscles in the extremities remain intact, targeted control is no longer possible. As a result, the patient is restricted in their freedom of movement and can no longer use their feet or hands adequately.
The way functional electrical stimulation (FES) works is best illustrated in a video in which current pulses are used. This therapy achieves very good results, particularly in cases of weak foot dorsiflexion:
The electrical impulses stimulate the nerves in the limbs that are still functional. These impulses trigger muscle contractions, causing the foot to be lifted, for example. This can significantly improve the patient’s gait or, in the best case, enable them to walk independently again. The strength and duration of the current impulse is individually adapted to the needs of each patient. Both the current intensity and the pulse duration can be regulated. The step cycle is also recorded and set individually.
A common result of a stroke is the loss or restriction of the ability to walk, which often leads to dependence on wheelchairs or walking aids. In such cases, FES can often help people to walk independently again. This care is provided in consultation with a doctor and in close cooperation with a physiotherapist. Cooperation with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist plays a central role in any FES treatment. Interdisciplinary cooperation is crucial for good, long-term care. It is also considered sensible to use FES in addition to other therapy methods (e.g. physiotherapy). Low-frequency electrical stimulation makes a significant contribution to complex physical therapy.
This type of therapy is painless. As a rule, the stimulus is only described as an unfamiliar tingling sensation. It is important to emphasize that FES cannot be combined with a TENS device (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) which is often used for stimulation current therapy. Rather, FES is used to provide direct assistance in everyday life, whereas TENS aims to treat muscles therapeutically.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a medical technique in which electrical impulses are used to generate targeted muscle contractions in an area of the body. This method is often used in people with neurological disorders or paralysis to stimulate weakened or paralyzed muscles and restore or improve their function.
Impairment of the central nervous system (CNS), which is usually caused by multiple sclerosis, infantile cerebral palsy or events such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, often leads to such an interruption of the nerve impulse conduction from the brain to the hands and/or feet. Although the muscles in the extremities remain intact, targeted control is no longer possible. As a result, the patient is restricted in their freedom of movement and can no longer use their feet or hands adequately.
The innoSTEP-WL is an innovative, wireless FES system for functional electrical stimulation in cases of weak foot dorsiflexion and can help patients to improve their mobility and quality of life: Impulses are sent to the peroneal nerve (fibular nerve) via electrodes on the leg and transmitted to the shin muscle (tibialis anterior muscle) so that the foot lifts when walking. The foot lift system thus enables a more natural, safer gait pattern through electrical stimulation. In the long term, the repeated transmission of stimuli through the central nervous system together with effective EMS training can lead to neuronal realignment and a lasting improvement in gait.
Neurologists and specialists play a key role in the comprehensive care of foot drop and multiple sclerosis. A collaborative approach between different specialists ensures holistic care and individualized treatment plans.
HELLER MEDIZINTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG has been a certified medical technology company for over 25 years and has many years of experience in designing solutions in the field of electrical nerve and muscle stimulation.
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