ottobock MyGait FES 

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for drop foot and gait rehabilitation

User/client information

Information for clinical specialist

Orthotic Active are now able to offer assessment and fitting of the MyGait system at 4 of our clinic locations throughout the country by ottobock certified clinicians.

The term dorsiflexor weakness is not commonly known, but the symptoms it describes are familiar to many. 

One side of the body is paralysed, primarily after a stroke, but also as a result of multiple sclerosis and incomplete paraplegia and traumatic brain injury. When walking, the arm hangs and the foot scuffs the ground. 

This is commonly known as drop foot.

For people with dorsiflexor weakness, every step requires high concentration because they tend to scuff their toes along the ground. Even a stone or a small uneven spot can become a big obstacle. Some people may swing the leg forward using their hip muscles. This requires more effort and leads to bad posture, which may result in back pain. Long distances are often avoided as a result of muscle fatigue setting in. 

This can lead to a withdrawal from social life and activities, and quality of life suffers.Functional electrical stimulation (FES) with MyGait® lifts the foot at just the right time in the walking, or gait cycle. 

Walking becomes faster and more efficient. With MyGait®, you can be in the moment rather than concentrating on every step.

MyGait is a surface stimulator, acting on your nerves via electrodes placed on your skin to transform the way you walk.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) via MyGait lifts the foot at just the right time in the gait cycle, correcting your drop foot and making walking faster and more efficient.

A small switch you wear under your heel sends a wireless signal to the stimulator worn on a cuff just below your knee. The stimulator can then activate the muscles responsible for lifting your foot. This can result in an improved and more natural gait, reducing the risk of falls.

As a bonus, your lower leg muscles are exercised with MyGait, and they can get stronger, which can also make walking easier.

Indications

The stimulation system facilitates dorsiflexion of the ankle in patients with foot drop resulting from illness or injury to the upper motor neuron (for example due to a stroke, brain trauma, multiple sclerosis, central paralysis or incomplete spinal cord injuries). During the swing phase, electric stimulation induces dorsiflexion of the affected leg, thus improving the patient's gait pattern. The stimulation system can prevent or delay atrophy caused by inactivity, maintain or improve the range of motion in the joints and promote local blood circulation.

for any further information or to arrange an assessment please contact us on info@orthoticsactive.co.nz,  or call on 0800 1REHAB (0800 173422)

For skin care information whilst using FES, please follow the guidelines recommended by NHS Foundation Trust.

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