DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COST-EFFECTIVE, FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE FOR FOOT DROP REHABILITATION

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective method for correcting foot drop and facilitating forefoot elevation during walking. As a subset of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), FES enhances functional movements by stimulating muscles to compensate for neurological deficits. Recent technological advancements focus on developing more compact, efficient, and customizable devices that cater to individual patient needs, improving rehabilitation outcomes. This study developed a hybrid device combining electrical stimulation with ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) to enhance gait rehabilitation. A customized stimulation unit with adjustable parameters was created to deliver electrical impulses. An Arduino nano microcontroller was programmed to process data from an MPU6050 sensor, which measures accelerations and ankle angles (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion). This setup allows for precise control of stimulation patterns, offering a cost-effective and adaptable solution for patients with foot drop, aligning with current scientific efforts to enhance gait rehabilitation technologies.