AN INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL  STIMULATION

2 channel open-loop gait assist electrical orthosis
(c) David Ewins 1990

These pages are an edited version of those created by Miss Amanda Lamb as part of her MSc project in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Surrey 1994-95. Although they are meant to provide an introduction to stimulation in general they do concentrate on functional electrical stimulation through the use of surface (transcutaneous) electrodes, as this is the area of group's expertise. Any suggestions for modifications should be addressed to David Ewins

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Gait Training

Partial Weight Bearing Gait Training

WWRC Physical Therapy is proud to offer LITE GAIT?--a partial weight bearing gait therapy device. We use LITE GAIT? to help client's regain a more normal walking pattern after lower extremity paralysis or weakness from a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. The harness suspension supports as much body weight as needed to allow the legs to move in a walking pattern without fear of falling. The client's physical therapist can start them at a very slow speed on the treadmill while helping them to move their legs correctly. As they get stronger the LITE GAIT? device can provide assistance as they move from treadmill walking to walking across the ground.

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SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

                                                

This is the most common painful condition of the shoulder. It frequently affects the age groups 40-60 years and in 30% of cases it may also be associated with a rotator cuff tear.

Symptoms include pain and weakness on activity, especially on elevating the arm sideways. The pain is usually localised around the deltoid muscle and may interrupt sleep.

Subacromial impingement syndrome results from abnormal contact between the greater tuberosity and the under surface of the acromion during shoulder abduction. Classically this contact occurs at 60°-120° of shoulder abduction resulting in a painful arc in mid abduction as illustrated in the opposite diagram.

The underlying causes of subacromial impingement syndrome are multifactorial, but rotator cuff dysfunction (weakness) is probably the most likely cause. In a normal shoulder, the coordinated action of the rotator cuff muscles stops any abnormal contact within the subacromial space between the opposing bony surfaces.

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