We addressed foot drop, a common gait impairment caused by dysfunction of the deep peroneal nerve, resulting in inadequate ankle dorsiflexion during walking. This condition increases the risk of tripping and falling and contributes to abnormal gait mechanics. Current non-invasive treatments primarily include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices. While FES systems directly stimulate the deep peroneal nerve and promote a more natural gait pattern, existing commercial devices are often prohibitively expensive and are not consistently covered by insurance.
We presented NeuroStep, a wearable functional electrical stimulation device designed to provide an affordable, accessible, and effective alternative for individuals with foot drop. NeuroStep targeted the deep peroneal nerve to actively assist dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait, improving foot clearance and fall risk. We integrated wearable sensors, a microcontroller, and a custom stimulation circuit capable of delivering safe, charge-balanced biphasic current pulses. Our design considerations focused on usability, comfort, battery longevity, and minimal user adjustment, with an intended consumer cost below $1,000.
We evaluated device performance using objective gait metrics, including walking speed, step and stride length, dorsiflexion angle, and muscle activation measured via wearable sensors. By prioritizing affordability without sacrificing functionality, NeuroStep aimed to expand access to FES technology, enhance gait mechanics, and improve quality of life for individuals affected by foot drop.