DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COST-EFFECTIVE, FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE FOR FOOT DROP REHABILITATION

Authors

  • OANA ANDREEA CHIRIAC Activ Ortopedic SRL Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4487-7720
  • FELIX CONSTANTIN ADOCHIEI Department of Measurements, Electrical Devices and Static Converters, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest Author
  • NICOLETA-IULIANA TROCAN Totem Communication SRL Author
  • MIRCEA IULIAN NISTOR Department of Mechatronics and Precision Mechanics, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59277/RRST-EE.2025.1.26

Keywords:

Functional electrical stimulation, Foot drop, Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), Arduino Nano

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective method for correcting foot drop and facilitating forefoot elevation during walking. As a subset of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), FES enhances functional movements by stimulating muscles to compensate for neurological deficits. Recent technological advancements focus on developing more compact, efficient, and customizable devices that cater to individual patient needs, improving rehabilitation outcomes. This study developed a hybrid device combining electrical stimulation with ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) to enhance gait rehabilitation. A customized stimulation unit with adjustable parameters was created to deliver electrical impulses. An Arduino nano microcontroller was programmed to process data from an MPU6050 sensor, which measures accelerations and ankle angles (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion). This setup allows for precise control of stimulation patterns, offering a cost-effective and adaptable solution for patients with foot drop, aligning with current scientific efforts to enhance gait rehabilitation technologies.

Author Biographies

  • OANA ANDREEA CHIRIAC, Activ Ortopedic SRL

    PhD. Eng., Activ Ortopedic SRL, Bucharest, Romania, oana.chiriac27@gmail.com

  • FELIX CONSTANTIN ADOCHIEI , Department of Measurements, Electrical Devices and Static Converters, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest

    Prof., Department of Measurements, Electrical Devices and Static Converters, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania, felix.adochiei@upb.ro

  • NICOLETA-IULIANA TROCAN, Totem Communication SRL

    Eng., Totem Communication SRL, Romania

  • MIRCEA IULIAN NISTOR, Department of Mechatronics and Precision Mechanics, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest

    Prof., Department of Mechatronics and Precision Mechanics, National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania, mircea.nistor@upb.ro

References

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Published

25.03.2025

Issue

Vol. 70 No. 1 (2025): RRST-EE

Section

Génie biomédical | Biomedical Engineering

License

Copyright (c) 2025 REVUE ROUMAINE DES SCIENCES TECHNIQUES — SÉRIE ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE ET ÉNERGÉTIQUE

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COST-EFFECTIVE, FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE FOR FOOT DROP REHABILITATION. (2025). REVUE ROUMAINE DES SCIENCES TECHNIQUES — SÉRIE ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE ET ÉNERGÉTIQUE, 70(1), 151-156. https://doi.org/10.59277/RRST-EE.2025.1.26