Which statement best describes how FES addresses drop foot gait?

• A. Worsens foot clearance
• B. Addresses drop foot by improving dorsiflexion during swing
• C. Only affects knee extension
• D. Has no effect on gait

Answer: (B)

The core idea is that drop foot comes from insufficient lifting of the front of the foot during the swing phase. Functional Electrical Stimulation targets that exact problem by delivering pulses to the dorsiflexor muscles (primarily the tibialis anterior) so the foot rises as it moves forward. This timed dorsiflexion increases foot clearance, reduces toe drag, and helps the foot land more smoothly at heel strike, which together improve overall gait. It’s not about knee extension, and it certainly changes gait for the better, rather than having no effect.