Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Department/Major

Kinesiology and Sport Management

First Advisor

Hyung Suk Yang

Second Advisor

Steven Anderson

Third Advisor

Adam Ladwig

Keywords

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Foot Drop, Neurorehabilitation, Gait Rehabilitation, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

Subject Categories

Musculoskeletal System | Nervous System | Orthotics and Prosthetics | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy

Abstract

Foot drop (FD) is a neuromuscular impairment that limits ankle dorsiflexion during walking. It often leads to unsafe gait patterns, increases the risk of falls, and reduces independence. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool that activates muscles or nerves to improve foot clearance and support motor recovery. Unlike passive devices such as ankle-foot orthoses, FES promotes active neuromuscular engagement and may foster long-term improvements through neuroplastic adaptation. This narrative review examines the causes and clinical consequences of FD and evaluates the role of FES in restoring functional mobility. Key topics include FES technologies, stimulation parameters, individualized programming, and outcome measures such as gait velocity, endurance, and symmetry. The review also highlights recent advancements like closed-loop systems, multichannel stimulation, and brain-computer interface-controlled FES, which align cortical signals with peripheral activation to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Evidence supports FES as effective for improving mobility in individuals with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromotor conditions. However, barriers such as access, long-term adherence, and standardization of protocols persist. Overall, FES represents a clinically meaningful alternative to traditional interventions for foot drop, potentially enhancing walking performance, reducing fall risk, and improving quality of life in individuals with neurologic impairments.

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