Evidence Note 25 (PDF, 533K, 1min 18secs)
Background
Dropped foot is defined as the inability to activate the ankle dorsiflexors during the swing phase of gait. Other terms which are used to describe this condition are ‘floppy foot drop’, ‘foot drop’, and ‘spastic foot drop’.
FES is a technique which involves the use of an electrical stimulator to correct dropped foot in individuals who have a persistent upper motor neurone condition. The stimulator delivers electrical pulses to the common peroneal nerve (which must be intact), thus activating the ankle dorsiflexors during the swing phase of gait. Electrical stimulation can be delivered through surface or surgically implanted electrodes. For most FES devices, a pressure sensitive footswitch (insole) is placed inside the shoe under the foot of the affected leg.
The majority of available secondary literature suggests that FES is mainly used for individuals who have dropped foot following a stroke.
- Limited evidence indicates that FES is clinically effective for correcting dropped foot in adults who have upper motor neurone conditions.
- Cost effectiveness is highly sensitive to the cost of the FES device and the period of benefit.
- Compliance with FES treatment is high.
- There is little evidence which examines the reliability of the electrical stimulation device in FES treatment.
- Further clinical and economic research is required.
