FES

At the National Clinical FES Centre in Salisbury we assess and treat people with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). This can help people who have had damage to their brain such as a stroke, to move more easily.

FES uses small electrical impulses to activate paralysed muscles to produce useful movement. The most common problem treated by FES is called dropped foot. This is the inability to lift the foot during walking, causing the toes to catch or the foot to drag. This is due to weakness of the muscles that lift the foot.

Stimulation is given to activate these muscles using the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS). A switch worn in the shoe triggers the stimulation which reaches the muscles through electrodes stuck to the skin just below the knee. Leads connect the stimulator to the switch in the shoe and the electrodes on the leg. A small battery operates the stimulator. Electrical stimulation can help people walk faster, with less effort and with more confidence. It can also be used for exercise to strengthen weak muscles. People who have some movement in their arm may benefit from this to make the arm more useful to them.

If you would like more information please contact The National Clinical FES Centre, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, Wilts. SP2 8BJ or visit our

Geraldine Mann MSc. MCSP SRP
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
g.mann@mpbe-sdh.demon.co.uk