Who evaluates potential Parastep I™ System candidates, and what are the evaluation criteria?

A complete evaluation of prospective candidates is conducted by a physician and physical therapist at Parastep I™ System program sites.

The clinical evaluation consists of an examination of the following:

  • musculoskeletal integrity
  • range of motion
  • muscle contractile response to electrical stimulation
  • cardiorespiratory capacities
  • spasticity
  • learning capability to operate the system
  • patient motivation
  • sensory tolerance of electrical stimulation required to contract muscles

Functionally, potential candidates must demonstrate the following:

  • sufficient muscular force with FNS at the hip and knee required for function
  • adequate cardiopulmonary reserve
  • the ability to transfer independently and safely lower him/her self to the ground without the system operating
  • adequate standing tolerance
  • balance and trunk control
  • hand/finger dexterity to manipulate system controls

Individuals with the following conditions should not be considered candidates for the Parastep:

  • cardiac demand pacemaker
  • cancer in the area of electrode placement
  • severe scoliosis
  • severe osteoporosis
  • skin disease at stimulation sites or over swollen, infected, or inflamedareas or skin eruptions, e.g. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins
  • irreversible contracture
  • autonomic dysreflexia

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