How MyoSpark Supports Dorsiflexion During Gait Training
How MyoSpark Supports Dorsiflexion During Gait Training
Foot drop is one of the most common gait impairments seen in neurological rehabilitation. It affects individuals recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions.
The hallmark of foot drop is difficulty lifting the front of the foot (dorsiflexion) during the swing phase of gait, which can cause the toes to drag on the ground and increase the risk of tripping or falling.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has emerged as a powerful tool to address this problem. By stimulating key muscles at the right moment during walking, FES can help retrain more normal movement patterns.
With its wearable, wireless design and motion-controlled stimulation, the MyoSpark system provides a flexible way to incorporate FES for foot drop into both clinical therapy sessions and home rehabilitation programs.
Understanding Foot Drop in Neurological Rehabilitation
Understanding Foot Drop in Neurological Rehabilitation
Foot drop typically occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the foot are weak or poorly coordinated. The primary muscle involved is the tibialis anterior, which dorsiflexes the ankle and helps clear the toes during walking.
When dorsiflexion is impaired, individuals often compensate by:
- Lifting the knee higher than normal (steppage gait)
- Swinging the leg outward
- Using ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for stability
While braces can improve safety, they do not actively train the muscles responsible for movement. This is where functional electrical stimulation can play a valuable role.
How Functional Electrical Stimulation Helps Foot Drop
How Functional Electrical Stimulation Helps Foot Drop
Functional Electrical Stimulation works by delivering small electrical pulses to peripheral nerves through electrodes placed on the skin. These pulses cause the targeted muscles to contract, allowing electrical stimulation to assist or reinforce functional movements.
When applied during walking:
- Electrodes stimulate the tibialis anterior
- The muscle contracts during swing phase
- The toes lift upward
- The foot clears the ground more easily
Over time, repeated practice with correct muscle activation may help reinforce motor patterns that support improved walking ability.
FES can also be used to stimulate other muscles involved in gait coordination, such as the gastrocnemius, depending on therapeutic goals.
What the Clinical Practice Guidelines Say
What the Clinical Practice Guidelines Say
The use of FES for foot drop is supported by research and clinical guidelines.
A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of FES to Improve Mobility in Individuals With Stroke published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy recommends FES as an intervention to improve walking ability and gait mechanics in appropriate patients.
The guideline highlights that FES can:
- Improve gait speed
- Improve walking endurance
- Improve ankle dorsiflexion during swing
- Reduce compensatory gait patterns
Importantly, the guideline suggests that FES may be beneficial both:
- During therapy sessions for motor retraining
- As a long-term assistive technology during walking
These findings reinforce the importance of task-specific stimulation during functional activities, such as walking.
How MyoSpark Enables FES for Foot Drop
How MyoSpark Enables FES for Foot Drop
MyoSpark makes it easy to apply FES to the lower leg during gait training.
The system uses small wearable stimulators with built-in motion sensors that can detect limb movement and trigger stimulation during specific phases of an activity.
For foot drop training, the setup typically includes:
Electrode Placement
Optional Secondary Muscle Activation
