Download FES Standing & Walking

FES Standing & Walking
Dan Faulkner & Dom Driver
Paraplegic Stand and Walk
Many methods for
standing/walking,
including Frames,
Hydraulics,
Pneumatics, FES.
What is FES?
Functional Electric Stimulation.
From the work of Faraday.
A replacement for neuronal stimulation to
a muscle group/fibre.
“The principle of FES is to replace the
nerve impulses to the muscles that are
interrupted by damage to the brain or
spinal cord with small electrical signals”
How does it work?
Electrodes to
stimulate muscle can
be percutaneous or
subcutaneous.
Percutaneous
stimulation from
electrodes on the
surface of the skin
Subcutaneous –
sacral anterior root
Who can use FES?
SCI patients with lesions in mid to lower
thorasic region
Stroke related brain damage
Head Injuries leading to brain damage
Patients with Neurological problems (MS,
Cerebral Palsy, Spasticity)
Why use FES?
Allow people to stand or walk, and all the
benefits that entails.
Clinical Reasons




Increased Muscle mass
Pressure sore relief
Improve blood supply
Reduce osteoporosis.
Psychological Reasons



Aesthetic improvement
Independence
Sense of Achievement
FES Standing
Quadreceps muscles allow standing

If stimulated strongly enough, allow extension
of the knee upto the point where knees lock
into stable standing position.
Gluteal muscles allow stability of hips.
High knee velocities a problem

Extra wear on knee joints
Sensors & closed loop control reduce this
problem.
FES standing
FES Walking
Combination stimulus to quads and Peroneal
nerve in lower leg.
Electrode Diagram
FES Walking