World’s most advanced FES stimulator cuff launched in the UK

“It fits really nicely, is easy to put on and off and has allowed me to go out and do so much more. I have my confidence back and have lost the fear that comes when you’re unstable and immobile.”

Justin Ashton, a 40 year old stroke survivor from Kettering has become the first person in the world to be fitted with Ottobock’s new nerve stimulator cuff to help him walk normally again.

Ottobock’s MyGait Cuff Soft is the world’s most advanced Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cuff according to the company from Ottobock is the world’s most advanced of its kind, enabling people with drop foot to walk more naturally again.

Designed to be discreet, breathable and easy to put on and take off with one hand, the new cuff could help thousands of people in the UK living with MS, stroke survivors and the effects of brain injury.

Justin suffered a stroke whilst working as an electrician. He was on his way to work when his driving became impaired, his speech slurred and he lost vision. He was told he had suffered a stroke and rushed to Kettering General Hospital, however it was days before he realised the full extent of his stroke and the effect it would have on his life. After six months of rehabilitation, Justin still struggled with walking, tripping and falling often due to drop foot, which is the inability to raise the foot due to a weakness in or paralysis of the dorsiflexor muscles in the leg and the foot.

Justin said: “Following my stroke, I thought my life was over. I was unable to even sit up by myself and had to re-learn all the simple tasks you take for granted all over again.”

He is the first patient in the world to be fitted with the new soft cuff to treat his drop foot. The MyGait Cuff Soft works by providing an electrical impulse that is delivered to the nerve which stimulates the muscle into movement. A heel switch sensor communicates wirelessly with the cuff and electrodes to stimulate the appropriate nerve at the right time and frequency during the walking cycle. Because the cuff offers two-channel stimulation, other muscle groups can be stimulated in addition to the dorsiflexor muscles, making it possible to provide morel support when walking.

“I’ve tried all sorts of treatments for my drop foot – from orthoses right through to other FES devices on the market and can honestly say the new MyGait Cuff Soft is worlds apart. It fits really nicely, is easy to put on and off and has allowed me to go out and do so much more. I have my confidence back and have lost the fear that comes when you’re unstable and immobile.”

Lynn Vale, MyGait specialist at Ottobock commented: “Drop foot can leave sufferers with complex mobility challenges that effects quality of life and confidence. We are delighted to introduce this exciting new product to the UK that is helping people like Justin get their life back on track and improving their walking ability.”

For more information about MyGait Cuff Soft or Ottobock, visit the website HERE