“The stimulator has become a necessary part of me and makes my life a lot easier. I don’t avoid walking now and I feel more confident. I haven’t fallen using the stimulator so it’s taken the fear of doing a lot of damage away. I’m now starting to widen the scope of my activity quite dramatically. In fact I think it’s a fabulous improvement and I’m delighted with it!”

K.D.

“I would say that, with the stimulator, it’s half the effort to walk. I find I enjoy things more and I am far more conscious of where I am because I do not have to think about getting my foot in front of the next one all the time. It gives me more freedom and more independence. I’ve even gone for a walk by myself. It’s certainly nice to be back in the real world again.”

Geoff Martin

“I have Multiple Sclerosis (Primary Progressive) (10-15yrs since diagnosis). Walking was very difficult due to the progressive stiffness in my legs. I had to rely on a scooter for mobility. In November 2012, I was fitted with a 2 channel Odstock dropped foot stimulator (O2CHS). Walking with FES reduced the stiffness in my legs and made walking much easier. Since being fitted with the Odstock, I have more than doubled my walking speed. I don’t rely on a scooter as much now, even outdoors and manage with 2 canes. This technology has been around for quite some time but its application for “foot drop” in MS is relatively new in Canada. I am glad I heard about it as it has made a big difference to me. If you have any questions, please contact me through FES Mobility.”

Al Sadler, Surrey, British Columbia

In a follow-up survey, UK Odstock users provided the following feedback on their reasons for continued use of ODFS:

• 79% – felt more confident when walking with the device
• 78% – reported it required less effort to walk
• 71% – were able to cover more distance
• 70% – felt less prone to tripping
• 62% – walked at a faster speed
• 53% – felt more independent
• 43% – were able to walk on uneven ground
• 34% – required less assistance from others when walking w/ the ODFS

In response to a 2009 survey, Canadian MS and stroke ODFS users provided the following feedback:

• “I can walk further when using the ODFS”
• “The ODFS has improved my quality of life!”
• “I feel safer when using the ODFS”
• “The ODFS helps me walk on uneven ground”
• “The ODFS has allowed me to the more active”
• “With only periodical use of the ODFS, my walking feels better!”
• “I do not have to use an AFO splint or brace when using the ODFS”
• “The exercise provided from using the ODFS makes me feel better”
• “I feel more confident when using the ODFS”
• “With the ODFS, my walking requires less effort”
• “Use of the ODFS allows easier access to places that I visit”
• “I am less likely to trip or fall when using the ODFS”
• “Walking with the ODFS makes me less dependent on a wheelchair”
• “I need less physical assistance to walk when using the ODFS”

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Users describe using the ODFS for a variety of daily activities including: shopping, social events, work, housework, exercising on the treadmill, recreational walks, going to & from a parking lot and accessibility to certain locations.

Further improvement in walking can be realized with ODFS use…
As well as providing physical assistance with walking, use of the ODFS produces more subtle physical changes resulting in further gait improvement for users – lessening of compensatory movement of the affected limb – hip hiking and circumduction is reduced, decreasing walking effort; reduction in calf muscle spasticity that results in better movement and ankle range of motion during walking; improved walking safety as weight bearing on the affected foot is made more stable with contraction of the ankle muscles.