This therapeutic method can help patients experiencing paralysis exercise their muscles.
Understanding Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitative treatment that uses small electrical currents to activate specific nerves and muscles and restore lost function. FES is often used to treat patients with neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. It can also be utilized by patients experiencing weakness following surgery.
How It Works
The brain controls the body’s movement by sending electrical signals through the nerves to the muscles. If the brain or nerves are damaged, these signals become interrupted, causing muscle weakness or paralysis. FES works by replacing these lost signals with electrical currents delivered by electrodes into the body. These make the muscle contract, allowing the patient to perform movements such as lifting their leg or arm, and strengthen muscles that cannot move on their own.
New Solutions
FES devices can provide an alternative to traditional exercise equipment for patients with muscle paralysis. Advanced stationary bikes, for example, are being implemented into rehabilitation plans. Known as FES cycling, these bikes target arm and leg muscles in a pattern that allows the patient to pedal the bike and exercise.
Benefits to Patients
FES makes it possible for patients to strengthen muscles and regain functions that better their quality of life. Its benefits include:
- Preventing muscle atrophy
- Increasing blood circulation
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion
- Relaxing muscle spasms
- Reeducating muscles
FES may also help restore the ability to stand, step, and walk short distances; sit upright; and grasp objects and can improve bladder and bowel control, breathing, and swallowing.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
