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