Functional electrical stimulation (FES) method and system to improve walking and other locomotion functions

A non-invasive, wearable electrical stimulator which consists essentially of

• a controller,
• a motion sensor in electrical communication with the controller and adapted to detect a beginning and end of cycles of locomotion activity, wherein the motion sensor does not include foot switches,
• a power source, and
• a constant current waveform generator receiving power from the power source and controlled by the controller, wherein the controller, motion sensor, power source and waveform generator are contained in a singular housing adapted to be worn on a body part of a user, and
• a plurality of electrodes adapted to apply electrical stimulation in a timed stimulation pattern to multiple, different muscle groups of the user which contract synergistically and cooperate together to stimulate complete cycles of locomotion activity, said plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the waveform generator for supplying electrical stimuli to nerves and muscles of the user sufficient to cause timed contraction of the different muscle groups required for achieving each complete cycle of locomotion activity,
• wherein the motion sensor functions to recognize the initiation of different complete cycles of locomotion activity which acts as a trigger for the electrodes to deliver the electrical stimulation to appropriate muscles of the multiple, different muscle groups to be active in each of the different locomotion activity cycles, at a time when the appropriate muscles of the multiple different muscle groups need to be activated to achieve each different locomotion activity cycle, said electrical stimulation being synchronized with each of the different complete cycles of locomotion activity and applied throughout an entire cycle of each of the different complete cycles.