The Parastep I™ System stimulator generates sequences of electrical pulses. These pulses are passed to target peripheral nerves through surface applied skin electrodes, placed over selected muscles and sensory nerves of the lower extremities. Stimulation of the quadriceps muscles causes a contraction which results in knee extension, enabling the user to stand. Stimulation of sensory nerves in the lower extremities initiates a reflex contraction to flex the hip, knee, and ankle, lifting the foot off the floor; quadriceps stimulation then cycles on, to extend the knee in preparation for taking a step. The user controls stimulation through a user-friendly keypad on the stimulator unit or via control switches mounted on the electronically modified walker. The walker provides balance and stability to the user while standing and walking.
