Clinical Data for Bioness Rehabilitation Systems

Effects of Dual-Channel Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Performance in Patients with Hemiparesis 

 The study objective was to assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the peroneal nerve and thighmuscles on gait performance in subjects with hemiparesis. Participants were 45 subjects (age 57.8 ± 14.8 years) with hemiparesis(5.37 ± 5.43 years since diagnosis) demonstrating a foot-drop and impaired knee control. Thigh stimulation was applied either tothe quadriceps or hamstrings muscles, depending on the dysfunction most affecting gait. Gait was assessed during a two-minutewalk test with/without stimulation and with peroneal stimulation alone. A second assessment was conducted after six weeks ofdaily use. The addition of thigh muscles stimulation to peroneal stimulation significantly enhanced gait velocity measures at theinitial and second evaluation. Gait symmetry was enhanced by the dual-channel stimulation only at the initial evaluation, andsingle-limb stance percentage only at the second assessment. For example, after six weeks, the two-minute gait speed with peronealstimulation and with the dual channel was 0.66 ± 0.30 m/sec and 0.70 ± 0.31 m/sec, respectively (P < 0.0001). In conclusion,dual-channel FES may enhance gait performance in subjects with hemiparesis more than peroneal FES alone.

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L300 Plus Study

Improved ankle and knee control with a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation system in chronic hemiplegia.

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Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology

The effects of dual-channel functional electrical stimulation on stance phase sagittal kinematics in patients with hemiparesis Neuroprosthetic Benefit

Sixteen subjects (aged 54.2 ± 14.1 years) with hemiparesis (7.9 ± 7.1 years since diagnosis) demonstrating a foot-drop and hamstrings muscle weakness were fitted with a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system activating the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles. Measurements of gait performance were collected after a conditioning period of 6 weeks, during which the subjects used the system throughout the day. Gait was assessed with and without the dual-channel FES system, as well as with peroneal stimulation alone. Outcomes included lower limb kinematics and the step length takenwith the non-paretic leg. Results with the dual-channel FES indicate that in the subgroup of subjects who demonstrated reduced hip extension but no knee hyperextension (n = 9), hamstrings FES increased hip extension during terminal stance without affecting the knee. Similarly, in the subgroup of subjects who demonstrated knee hyperextension but no limitation in hip extension (n = 7), FES restrained knee hyperextension without having an impact on hip movement. Additionally, step length was increased in all subjects. The peroneal FES had a positive effect only on the ankle. The results suggest that dualchannel FES for the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles may affect lower limb control beyond that which can be attributed to peroneal stimulation alone. 

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