In setting up functional electrical stimulation for a patient with foot drop after a tibia fracture, during which phase should the PT contract the muscles?

The correct phase for contracting the muscles during functional electrical stimulation for a patient with foot drop is during mid-swing. This phase of gait is critical as it involves the foot being lifted off the ground and moving forward in preparation for the next step. Contracting the muscles at this time helps to ensure that the ankle dorsiflexors are activated, which is crucial for preventing the foot from dragging and ensuring adequate clearance during the swing phase.

In mid-swing, the goal is to enhance the ability to clear the foot, thus preventing any potential tripping or stumbling which can occur if the foot is not adequately lifted. The appropriate stimulation at this point facilitates a smoother gait pattern, allowing the patient to achieve better mobility and balance.

The other options represent different phases of the gait cycle where muscle contraction is less effective for addressing foot drop. During late stance at push-off and toe-off, the focus is on propulsion, and while some contraction might be necessary for stability, it does not specifically address the need to lift the foot during swing. Early stance at foot-flat involves a different set of muscle actions related to weight acceptance and stabilization, rather than the lifting required to combat foot drop.