Pulse Routine: FOOT DROP
As performed by Guerrero Rehabilitation Clinic
Placing the Devices
For 1 Leg: Place the devices on your tib anterior. Ideally, you’ll want one device slightly below the top of the tib anterior (about 2-3 inches away from your knee) and one device about 3 inches below that.
For Both Legs Simultaneously: Place the devices in the middle of your tib anterior. Use the Pulse Straps if you have them for increased sensation and to ensure they stay as you move.
This Placement is used for all the exercises and recovery protocols below.
Exercises & Recovery
Below are multiple exercises and recovery protocols for improving function, strength, and mind-muscle connection to the affected muscles.
Note: If your foot drop is due to poor motor function caused by spasticity, we recommend ignoring the listed settings below and using the Rehab-Motor Function setting for all exercises and recovery protocols. Within this setting, select the specific condition that you're dealing with. If your condition isn't listed, please use the General setting.
1. Foot Raises (Increase Muscle Engagement and Proprioception)
Setting Used: Performance Standard or Advanced-Calf
Sitting in a chair, flex your foot and point your toes upwards. If unable to do this use your other hand to flex your foot (assisted foot raise).
For video reference: Foot Raises & Assisted Foot Raises
Perform for a total of 10 times each foot for a total of 3 sets.
2. Dorsiflexion Focused Walking
Settings Used: Performance-Guided Reps Type 2 & 3 or Rehab-Strength Training
This exercise’s focus is to help retrain your walking muscles and the mind's connection to the muscles.
To perform time each step with the vibrations. Each time you lift a foot to take a step make a conscious effort to flex your tibialis anterior muscle by pointing your toe upwards at the top of each step.
For video reference: Dorsiflexion Placement and Walking Video
3. Improve Movement (For Those Who’ve Experienced Paralysis or Spasticity)
Setting Used: Rehab-Motor Function
Time Recommended: 30 Minutes
When using the Constant vibrations, apply while sitting on the couch or wherever while resting. When using the Pulsing vibrations, apply while performing basic exercises or movements (like walking).
These settings use high frequencies, the same frequencies used in the majority of current research on foot drop.
Can be used daily as well as before or after physical therapy.
4. Improve Strength
Setting Used: Rehab-Strength Recovery
Time Recommended: 1 Hour
No movement required, these vibrations can be applied while sitting on the couch or wherever.
These settings use high frequencies, the same frequencies used in the majority of current research on foot drop.
Can be used daily as well as before or after physical therapy.
