ALFESS FES System

The ALFESS FES system is one of the most discreet and streamlined Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) devices provided by Orthotics.co.uk. It is designed to help stimulate weak muscles and improve foot clearance during walking for people affected by foot drop.

At Orthotics.co.uk, we provide specialist FES assessments, trials and ongoing support from our clinics in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. We are experienced providers of a range of FES systems, including ALFESS, allowing our Orthotists to consider different treatment options and help identify the most appropriate FES solution for each individual.

Contact Orthotics.co.uk to find out whether the ALFESS FES system could help improve your walking and mobility.

What conditions can Orthotics.co.uk use ALFESS FES for?

The ALFESS FES system is primarily designed for people who have difficulty lifting their foot and toes during walking due to weakness associated with a neurological condition.

People with spinal cord injuries may potentially benefit from FES, provided the relevant peripheral nerve and muscle pathway remains sufficiently intact to produce a useful muscle response to electrical stimulation.

Suitability cannot be determined from the diagnosis alone. At Orthotics.co.uk, we assess the individual's muscle response, walking pattern and functional difficulties to establish whether ALFESS may be appropriate.

If you have foot drop due to a neurological condition, contact Orthotics.co.uk to arrange an assessment and find out whether ALFESS FES may be suitable for you.

Which conditions are not suitable for ALFESS FES?

Not everyone with foot drop will be suitable for the ALFESS FES system. FES relies on electrical stimulation being able to activate the appropriate peripheral nerve and produce a useful muscle contraction.

Certain lower motor neurone conditions, peripheral nerve injuries or significant damage to the nerve supplying the target muscles may therefore prevent an effective response to FES.

ALFESS also has specific contraindications and precautions. For example, it should not be used with certain implanted electronic devices, including cardiac demand pacemakers. Other medical conditions, recent surgery or areas of impaired skin integrity may also require additional consideration.

At Orthotics.co.uk, suitability is assessed individually. If there is uncertainty about whether FES is appropriate, we may recommend that further medical advice is obtained before proceeding with a trial.

Contact Orthotics.co.uk to discuss your condition and arrange an FES suitability assessment for ALFESS.

How does the ALFESS FES system work?

The ALFESS Functional Electrical Stimulation system is worn around the upper part of the lower leg. It delivers carefully controlled electrical stimulation to activate the nerves supplying the muscles responsible for lifting the foot.

Before using ALFESS, a small amount of connectivity gel is applied to the integrated electrodes. This helps provide effective contact between the electrodes and the skin, allowing the electrical stimulation to pass effectively and consistently.

Most people describe FES stimulation as a fuzzy, tingling or pins-and-needles sensation. The stimulation level can be adjusted to provide sufficient muscle activation while remaining comfortable for the user.

During walking, sensors within the ALFESS FES system monitor movement of the leg. In Smart Walking Mode, the system analyses information about the user's gait and determines when stimulation should be delivered.

The stimulation is timed to help lift the foot during the swing phase of walking, improving foot and toe clearance and helping to reduce catching or dragging of the toes.

Unlike FES systems that require a separate heel or foot switch, ALFESS uses sensors within the system to detect movement. This means there is no component that needs to be placed inside the shoe, and ALFESS can potentially be used when walking barefoot.

The ALFESS system is rechargeable. Depending on the amount of use, users can typically expect to charge the device approximately every 2 to 3 days.

Would you like to experience how ALFESS feels and see how it affects your walking? Contact Orthotics.co.uk to arrange an ALFESS assessment and trial.

What are the benefits of the ALFESS FES System?

Using the ALFESS FES system can provide a number of potential benefits for suitable users, including:

The benefits of FES vary between individuals and depend on factors including the underlying condition, muscle and nerve function, walking ability and frequency of use. This is why we recommend assessing the effect of ALFESS on your own walking before deciding whether it is the right system for you.

Contact Orthotics.co.uk to find out how the ALFESS FES system could help improve your foot clearance, walking and mobility.

Can ALFESS be worn on both legs?

Yes. ALFESS can be used bilaterally, meaning a system can be worn on both the left and right legs when clinically appropriate.

For people experiencing foot drop on both sides, Orthotics.co.uk can assess each leg independently and establish whether bilateral ALFESS FES could provide a useful functional benefit. Please email us to let us know in advance if this is the case so we can ensure we have enough devices in place for your home trail .

If you experience foot drop affecting both legs, contact Orthotics.co.uk to discuss whether bilateral ALFESS FES may be suitable for you.

Does ALFESS have a Training Mode?

Yes. ALFESS has both Walking Mode and Training Mode.

Walking Mode provides appropriately timed stimulation while you are walking. Training Mode provides repeated periods of stimulation and relaxation while you are sitting or otherwise training rather than walking.

Training Mode may be incorporated into an individual's rehabilitation programme where clinically appropriate. It can provide repeated activation of the targeted muscles without requiring the user to be walking at the same time.

It may be used as part of rehabilitation with a healthcare professional or, following appropriate instruction, as part of a home programme.

At Orthotics.co.uk, we can advise whether ALFESS Training Mode is appropriate for you and how it can be incorporated alongside your normal use of the ALFESS FES system.

Contact Orthotics.co.uk to learn more about ALFESS Training Mode and whether it could form part of your rehabilitation programme.

What is the process of receiving an ALFESS FES system from Orthotics.co.uk?

The first stage is normally an FES suitability assessment with an Orthotist at Orthotics.co.uk. During this appointment, we assess your muscle response, walking pattern, foot drop and individual requirements.

A full initial assessment may not always be necessary if you have previously used FES or have already been assessed and specifically recommended an ALFESS system by another appropriate healthcare professional.

If ALFESS appears suitable, we can carry out an in-clinic ALFESS trial. The system is positioned and programmed for your individual requirements, allowing us to assess the effect on your foot clearance and walking.

If the in-clinic trial is successful, we can then arrange a two-week home trial, allowing you to experience ALFESS in the context of your own lifestyle and during your normal day-to-day activities before deciding whether you would like to purchase your own system.

If you decide to proceed with your own ALFESS FES system, Orthotics.co.uk will provide ongoing clinical support and reviews. Your requirements may change over time, so the settings and effectiveness of the device can be reviewed as necessary.

Contact Orthotics.co.uk to start your ALFESS FES assessment and trial process at one of our clinics in Manchester, Leeds or Liverpool.

What happens if the ALFESS FES system isn't suitable?

One of the advantages of having your FES assessment with Orthotics.co.uk is that we are Orthotists and provide a range of different FES systems and orthotic treatments rather than being limited to a single device.

If ALFESS isn't suitable for you, we can consider alternative options based on your individual needs.

Orthotics.co.uk has access to a range of FES systems and orthotic devices for foot drop, including conventional and dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).

Our aim is not simply to determine whether ALFESS works. We want to identify the most appropriate solution for your walking difficulties, lifestyle and individual goals.

If ALFESS isn't right for you, contact Orthotics.co.uk to discuss the other FES and orthotic treatment options we can provide.

Book an ALFESS FES Assessment with orthotics.co.uk

If you would like to find out whether ALFESS FES could help with your foot drop, walking or mobility, please contact the Orthotics.co.uk team to arrange an assessment.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

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