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Functional electrical or neuromuscular stimulation (FES)
What is FES?
FES uses electrical currents to activate nerves supplying muscles affected by paralysis, as a result of neurological conditions such as, multiple sclerosis, stroke, head injury and spinal cord injury. The electrical stimulation is applied via electrodes to facilitate functional movement, such as activating the muscles which lift the foot up during gait.
The electrical currents can be operated and controlled by the physiotherapist using switches or dials. For use at home, FES can be controlled using, buttons, switches, joint positions sensors and heel switches. Surface electrodes are placed on the skins which act as interfaces between the electrical stimulator and the nerves.
Above: Neurological physiotherapist applying functional electrical stimulaltion treatment to aid mobility When we use FES?
FES is commonly used to treat the symptoms following damage to the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) for example, foot drop. A drop foot is when the foot cannot be cleared off the ground during walking due to weakness of the muscles needed to lift the foot up. Functional electrical stimulation applies brief, programmed bursts of electric current to the affected nerve that supplies to weakened muscle to restore function.
FES is also used to assist upper limb movement such as grasping, and to encourage hip flexion when standing and walking. FES may also act as a bladder and bowel control for people with spinal cord injury.
Benefits of FES?
Benefits of FES include:
- Allowing people to stand, walk and restore hand function
- Improved venous return from lower limbs,
- Osteoporosis prevention,
- Improved cardiovascular health,
- Improved ability with functional activities
- Increased independence
- Improved quality of life.
