Functional electrical stimulation and spinal cord injury

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2014 Aug;25(3):631-54, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2014.05.001.

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can disrupt communications between the brain and the body, resulting in loss of control over otherwise intact neuromuscular systems. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the central and peripheral nervous system can use these intact neuromuscular systems to provide therapeutic exercise options to allow functional restoration and to manage medical complications following SCI. The use of FES for the restoration of muscular and organ functions may significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality following SCI. Many FES devices are commercially available and should be considered as part of the lifelong rehabilitation care plan for all eligible persons with SCI.

Keywords: Electric stimulation; Electrodes; Muscle spasticity; Neurogenic urinary bladder; Paralysis; Pressure ulcer; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injuries.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / innervation
  • Lower Extremity / physiopathology*
  • Posture / physiology
  • Pressure Ulcer / prevention & control
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Torso / innervation
  • Torso / physiopathology*
  • Upper Extremity / innervation
  • Upper Extremity / physiopathology*
  • Urination Disorders / therapy
  • Walking / physiology