Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique that uses electrical currents to activate the nerves innervating extremities affected by paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI), head injury, stroke and other neurological disorders. FES is used primarily to restore function in people with disabilities. www.restorative-therapies.com/faqs
The first commercially available FES devices treated foot drop by stimulating the peroneal nerve during gait. A switch, located in the heel end of a user’s shoe, activates a stimulator worn by the user.
Injuries to the spinal cord result in paralysis below the level of injury. Restoration of limb function, regulation of organ function, treatment of pain, and pressure sore prevention are the main applications. Functional electrical stimulation of those with paraplegia promotes muscle activity in the affected areas. FES for ambulation shows improvements in blood flow to lower extremities and also positively affects bowel and bladder function. The FES cycle ergometer stimulates the muscles in a gait pattern.
In the acute stage of stroke recovery, the use of electrical stimulation has been seen to increase the isometric strength of wrist extensors which may decrease the extent of upper extremity disability. Patients with hemiplegia following a stroke commonly experience shoulder pain and subluxation; both of which will interfere with the rehabilitation process. Functional electrical stimulation has been found to be effective for the management of pain and reduction of shoulder subluxation, as well as accelerating the degree and rate of motor recovery. Furthermore, the benefits of FES are maintained over time; research has demonstrated that the benefits are maintained for at least 24 months. (Chantraine, Alex; Baribeault, Alain; Uebelhart, Daniel; Gremion, Gerald (1999). “Shoulder Pain and Dysfunction in Hemiplegia: Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation”. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 80: 328–331.)
Electrical stimulation can also be used for central nervous system stimulation to hasten awakening from coma or the vegetative state. FES offers a variety of health benefits. Like any exercise FES improves fitness, prevents obesity and helps to protect against cardiovascular disease. FES cycling however provides some other extra benefits:
- Improved circulation, decreasing the likelihood of thrombosis.
- Prevents or reverses muscle atrophy.
- Reduction of muscle spasms
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion
And it may assist in an increase in bone density, decreasing the risk of fractures.