Functional electrical stimulation in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: A study of the effects based on the international classification of functioning framework.

Community based functional electrical stimulation to the ankle dorsiflexors during the swing phase of gait. The electrical stimulation is applied through a device known as a Walk Aide which is strapped to the leg just below the knee. The tilt sensor is programmed so that stimulation is turned on at the commencement of swing phase through to initial contact. The intensity of stimulation will vary according to each individual but all participants will have a frequency of 33Hz and a pulse width ranging from 25 to 300 micro seconds. The amplitude will be participant controlled by a dial. Participants are asked to use the Walk Aide for a minimum of 4 hours a day, 6 days a week over the 8 week intervention period. Weekly to fortnightly school and home visits will be conducted for each participant to monitor the intervention. The Walk Aide has an inbuilt usage log therefore at each visit, this data will be downloaded so that the participant and the family can receive feedback regarding adherence to the dosage. Families will also have direct access to the principle investigator via mobile text message and email if there are any queries or concerns.