NHS ODFS Pace V1, User Instruction Manual

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Electrode Placement
Electrode Placement
Some care is needed to find the best position for the electrodes . Your clinician will show you
how to apply the electrodes and give you a diagram and/or a photo showing the positions.
Place your leg in a relaxed, slightly bent position when placing the electrodes.
There are four standard sets of electrode positions:
1. The active electrode (black electrode pin) is placed with its top edge on the head of
fibula. This is the first bone you will feel if you run your fingers up the side of your leg from
the ankle bone. Imagine the electrode divided into quarters. The top front quarter is on the
head of fibula, the bottom front corner is below the head, the top back quarter is behind the
head and the bottom back quarter is below and behind the head. Press the 4 corners of the
electrodes , the tissue under 3 corners will feel soft, the corner over the head of fibula will
feel harder. The indifferent electrode (red electrode pin) is placed about 2cm below and
forward of the active electrode . Avoid placing the indifferent electrode over the tibia bone
as this may cause discomfort.
The ideal movement is that the foot is lifted with the outside of the foot lifting slightly higher
than the inside. If the correct movement is not produced, first try increasing the stimulation
level a little. If this is unsuccessful, the position of the
active electrode is adjusted first.
Excessive twisting to the outside (eversion) can be reduced by bringing the active electrode
slightly further forward (see image on page 31). Twisting inwards (inversion) may be reduced
by bringing the electrode further back. The position of the indifferent electrode can also
be adjusted to balance the lift of the foot in the same way. Again, bringing the electrode
towards the shin bone may reduce eversion. Do not put the electrode over the shin bone
as this can be uncomfortable. If toe-curling occurs while walking, place the indifferent
electrode a few centimetres further down the leg.
2. In some cases twisting out to the side can be decreased while still lifting the foot by
reversing the active and indifferent electrodes .
3. Greater knee bending can be produced by placing the indifferent electrode behind the
knee. The outer edge of the electrode is placed along the hamstring tendons on the outer
side. The active electrode is placed at the side of the leg, just below the head of the fibula.
Sometimes a better movement can be obtained by swapping the red and black electrode
lead pins.
You should only use the electrode positions that your clinician has asked
you to use.
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