Clinical applications of functional electrical stimulation

Abstract

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) allows the restoration of controlled muscle contractions, and hence limb function via computer control, in patients with irrecoverable upper motor neuron lesions. Wide experience has been recorded in spinal cord injured paraplegics and tetraplegics and to a lesser extent in cerebrovascular accident victims. The electrodes, either surface or implanted, stimulate muscles electrically through a stimulator activated by a control source which is in turn activated by the remaining functions of the user. Future advances in electrode technology and control and command sources activation systems as well as development of "close-loop" systems need to be made if wide patient acceptance of this modality is to be ensured.