Objective: To describe the efficacy of use of Bioness L300 Go FES System to result in functional improvement in gait related impairments in persons with Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes of which there is no medical therapy.
Background: The Bioness L300 Go is a device that uses electrical stimulation to activate the anterior tibialis specifically for improved dorsiflexion response during gait. The L300 Go has been used with diagnoses that are associated with ankle weakness/instability. The device is known to offer an alternative to the traditional AFO system. These two case studies will explore the efficacy of use of the Bioness L300 Go for one individual with Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy and one individual with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. It is hypothesized that the patients will experience an improvement in gait mechanics, gait balance and gait speed after use of the Bioness L300 Go.
Method: The participants agreed to participate in functional gait training with Bioness L300 Go 1x/week for 6 weeks with stimulation settings to improve gait mechanics as well as comfortable gait speed. Outcomes measures used for patient with OPCA are 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up & Go and observed gait analysis. Outcomes used for patient with PSP are 10MWT and observable gait analysis.
Results: OPCA:
After 6 sessions with bilateral Bioness L300 Go 10MWT completed in 10.49 seconds yielding gait speed of 0.57 m/s, TUG is 21.31 seconds (improved by 22.37 seconds). Observable gait mechanics include improved heel strike setting up heel, ankle and forefoot rocker throughout stance phase bilaterally. Patient continues to require FWW for stability
PSP:
After 6 sessions with bilateral Bioness L300 Go 10MWT completed in 61 seconds showing slight improvement of gait speed to 0.1m/s (change of 0.03 seconds). Observable changes to gait mechanics include decreased left toe in presentation, improved hip and knee flexion bilaterally eliminating toe drag, and increasing step length. Attendance for therapy was sporadic due to travel distance therefore patient did miss several sessions/weeks of consistent use of functional electrical stimulation.
Conclusion: Conclusion:
Use of the Bioness L300 Go system has resulted in improvement in functional gait. This modality opens up a new possibility of treatment for conditions of which there is no medical therapy. There is a need for further investigation to optimize and improve gait functionally.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
R. Lovell. The Use Of Bioness L300 Go Results In Functional Gait Improvement In Patients With Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2021; 36 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-use-of-bioness-l300-go-results-in-functional-gait-improvement-in-patients-with-parkinsons-plus-syndromes/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-use-of-bioness-l300-go-results-in-functional-gait-improvement-in-patients-with-parkinsons-plus-syndromes/