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An Implantable Two Channel Drop Foot Stimulator: Initial Clinical Results
Author(s) -
Kenney Laurence,
Bultstra Gerrit,
Buschman Rik,
Taylor Paul,
Mann Geraldine,
Hermens Hermie,
Holsheimer Jan,
Nene Anand,
Tenniglo Martin,
Van der Aa Hans,
Hobby John
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1594.2002.06949.x
Subject(s) - ankle , isometric exercise , biomedical engineering , heel , stimulation , medicine , materials science , anatomy , physical therapy
This article reports preliminary results of pilot studies of a new implantable two channel drop foot stimulator. The stimulator consists of an externally worn transmitter inductively coupled to an implanted receiver unit located in the lower leg, lateral and distal to the knee. The receiver is connected to electrodes located under the epineurium of the deep and the superficial peroneal nerves. Stimulation is triggered by detection of heel lift and terminated at heel strike in a manner similar to surface mounted systems. The location of the electrodes allows for a degree of selectivity over the resultant moment about the ankle joint that is not possible with surface stimulation of the common peroneal nerve. The two subjects used the stimulator on a regular basis and showed increases in walking speed of between 10% and 44% when compared to their baseline measurements. Isometric tests have demonstrated that the stimulator allows selective and repeatable stimulation of ankle joint muscles.