!Please Note: OML is looking for specialist neurological physiotherapists to help deliver expanded FES treatment in the Oxford, Kent, Norwich and Luton areas
The Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator Pace (ODFS® Pace (XL)) is a single channel, footswitch-controlled stimulator, designed to correct dropped foot and other movement deficits while walking, for people who have weakness due to neurological conditions. Its use can make walking easier and safer, leading to increased walking range and greater participation in everyday activities. It is an assisted device and can be used whenever walking.
The Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS®) Pace and its wireless version ODFS® Pace XL are intended to be used for the alleviation of neurological injury or handicap due to upper motor neurone disease or injury including but not limited to, stroke, multiple sclerosis incomplete spinal cord injury (T12 and above), head injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and hereditary spastic paraparesis.
The primary medical indication of ODFS® Pace and ODFS® Pace XL devices is the treatment and correction of dropped foot due to neurological conditions. The devices can be used as an alternative or adjunct to orthotic devices or other walking aids, or to provide a longer-term therapeutic effect.
Other movement deficits can be addressed by stimulation of additional muscle groups, singularly or in conjunction with the correction of dropped foot, for the purpose of functional movement training and / or gait assistance.
ODFS® Pace and ODFS® Pace XL devices are also intended to be used for muscle strengthening, reduction in muscle spasms, increase range of movement, alleviation of oedema, increase in local blood flow and promotion of neuroplasticity by modulating the central nervous system.
The device stimulates nerves using self-adhesive skin electrodes. These are connected to the stimulator using cables warn under clothing. The timing of the stimulation can be controlled by a pressure sensitive footswitch placed in the shoe and is typically used to turn stimulation on when the foot leaves the ground and stop stimulation when the foot returns to the ground. The ODFS® Pace XL version of the devices uses a small radio transmitter, called a Linq, clipped to the side of the shoe, to relay the footswitch signal to the stimulator.
When a nerve is stimulated, a nerve impulse is generated that then travels down to the weak or paralysed muscle. This causes the muscle to contract, assisting walking or other movements. The stimulation causes a mild to moderate buzzing sensation in the stimulated area and most device uses quickly become used to this sensation.
The stimulator is typically worn at the waist, either on the waist band or belt, or carried in a pocket. The device can also be worn on the leg.
The ODFS® Pace and ODFS® XL devices must be set up by a clinical professional who is trained in the use of the devices. This is normally at a specialised clinic or rehab centre. Once the recipient has been taught how to use the device, it is used routinely in the community without direct clinical supervision. Device users return regularly to the clinic for review and adjustment of the device.
The devices are CE marked and FDA cleared medical devices. The intervention is approved for use in the NHS by NICE.