The case for functional electrical stimulation (FES)

In a randomized controlled trial of the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS) in a group of 56 people who had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, ODFS users reported 72% fewer falls than a control group who received physiotherapy, over an 18 week period Mann GE, Jolley CJ, Taylor PN (1)

	FES uses electrical current to stimulate nerves and move parts of the body. It can help people with dropped foot, a symptom of MS, to walk by stimulating the muscles that lift the foot.
	FES in a non-invasive device.
	FES can facilitate greater social integration and participation in society, and in some cases support employment.
	FES can lead to significant cost savings for the NHS from prevention of injury due to falls, improved health due to increased fitness and reduction in use of other aids
	FES may be used on many areas of the upper and lower limbs....examples include improving stability when standing, reducing hand spasticity and improving hand function. There are many potential users who could benefit from increased levels of service provision in a greater number of locations Centre for Evidence Based Purchasing, Department of Health (2)
	NICE published interventional procedure guidance (IPG278) entitled Functional electrical stimulation for drop foot of central neurological origin on 28 January 2009 (3).
	The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions (NSF) states that people with long-term neurological conditions should receive: '...timely, appropriate assistive technology/equipment…to support them to live independently; help them with their care; maintain their health and improve their quality of life' (4).
	The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions (NSF) places an obligation on the NHS to ensure that people with MS have access to technologies, such as FES, which can improve walking ability, increase levels of independence and enhance quality of life.
	Two recent clinical trials investigating the effects of FES on walking speed and ability in people with MS suggest that it improves walking speed and reduces walking effort in people with MS who experience dropped foot (5).
	Anyone recommended for treatment of dropped foot with FES by a neuro-physiotherapist or other health care professional should be able to access FES on the NHS. How to Campaign for Access to FES, MS Society (6)