Information
The specialist neurological physiotherapy service provides a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Clinic at Astley Ainslie Hospital.
What is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)?
- FES is a means of producing contractions in muscles paralysed due to central nervous system lesions, by means of electrical stimulation.
- Provides muscles with electrical stimulation at a specific moment to perform a functional task, e.g. to lift a weak foot during walking, so it clears the ground.
What is the device?
- The device applied at the clinic is the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS) PACE box.
This is a battery-operated electrical machine that stimulates the ankle muscles via electrodes attached to the skin. A heel switch is placed inside the shoe, and the stimulator is activated when the heel is lifted off during gait - It can be used as an alternative to an ankle foot orthosis for patients with some neurological problems
- Set-up is individualised to the patients’ walking pattern.
Who to refer:
For FES to work patients must have an intact peripheral nerve.
Applications are found in stroke, spinal cord injury, head injury, cerebral palsy
and MS
| Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
| – Foot drop secondary to upper motor neurone lesion – Functional walker i.e. person relies on walking for mobility – Walk in the community on a daily basis – Motivation to use the device as a minimum four days per week – Ability to understand instructions for use – No other medical condition severe enough to impair walking. | – Severe increased tone in calf – Loss of range at ankle joint of greater than 10 degrees off plantargrade – Poor skin condition of lower leg – Cardiac pacemaker – Pregnancy – Severe lower limb oedema – Uncontrolled epilepsy |
Although not a clear exclusion, application of the device requires the ability to take on and retain instructions and to problem solve. Please consider this when referring patients who rely on a care package to support everyday living.
Who can refer:
All health professionals care refer into the service.
How to refer:
Refer to Lothian Community Neuro Rehab Service – FES Clinic using this referral form
Email enquiries to the team to this address: loth.neurorehaboutpatientservice@nhs.scot
Telephone number for enquiries: 0131 537 9082.
Physiotherapy prioritisation criteria
The following guidelines are for the benefit of Consultants, GPs, and other health professionals referring patients to the FES Clinic.
All patients should be assessed by the referrer and consented for the referral.
If you want to discuss a referral please contact our Professional Line by phone on 0131 537 49082.
