Improving Functional Electrical Stimulation Prescription for persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

4-10-2026

Presentation Format

In person

Department

Physical Therapy

Abstract

Purpose: Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in persons with MS (PwMS), prescription remains a highly individualized process with no well-established guidelines for assessing the immediate or long-term effects to ensure maximum benefit.  The purpose of this case series was to assess the feasibility and benefits of using wearable sensors and video analysis to provide immediate feedback on gait performance, when using lower leg and thigh stimulation individually or in combination, to improve FES prescription.

Subjects: 3 adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) with varying levels of gait dysfunction.

Methods: During a single visit, participants performed a series of 10-meter walks under a variety of FES and non-FES conditions while using wearable motion sensors. The sensors were used to assess gait variables including speed, cadence, stride length, foot elevation and foot strike angle. Additionally, 2D video analysis was used to measure changes in knee angle during swing and stance.

Results: All participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in specific gait variables including a > 0.1 m/s increase in gait speed during one or more of the FES conditions when compared to the no device or prescribed AFO condition. However, the FES condition that was most beneficial was different for each participant.

Conclusions: Data provided by the wearable sensors and video analysis was advantageous in determining the most appropriate FES prescription for each participant. Additionally, the data provided by the wearable sensors led to insurance approval of a FES device for one of the participants.

Keywords

multiple sclerosis, gait, functional electrical stimulation

Disciplines

Translational Medical Research

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