One non-drug treatment option for increasing mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the NESS L300. It automatically senses changing terrain, foot position and walking speed. This is a case of a picture being worth a 1,000 words, so take a look at the NESS L300. It’s rather cute for medical equipment!
Coming up next, I have an interview for you with a patient who has been using the NESS L300, but first, let’s cover exactly what this NESS thing does. The L300 makes use of mild functional electrical stimulation (FES) to treat foot drop in people with mobility issues that may be caused by conditions like MS, stroke or traumatic brain injury. It may not be appropriate for everyone with foot drop, but your doctor can tell you if it could work for you.
Clinical studies have suggested that using the L300 could enable increased walking speed and balance in some people. And that could translate into greater social participation and confidence when walking around the neighborhood. A study from 2008 showed that foot-drop sufferers had fewer falls when wearing the L300.
The NESS L300 is non-invasive, always a good thing. It’s worn on the body and may be easily turned on and off as the patient desires. The L300 is available for home use, as well as at inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation settings.
Three main components of the L300 communicate with each other. The lightweight leg cuff is worn just below the knee, and it contains electrodes that are designed to place stimulation where it helps you most. The gait sensor attaches to the shoe and talks to the leg cuff so it knows if the heel is on the ground or in the air. A handheld remote control allows users to adjust the level of stimulation and turn the unit on and off.
Read my interview with Nicole who has used the NESS L300 to for MS.
(Image via Bioness)
Post from: Blisstree