A Review of Functional Electrical Stimulation Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury

Neuromolecular Med. 2020 Dec;22(4):447-463. doi: 10.1007/s12017-019-08589-9. Epub 2020 Jan 8.

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been widely adopted to elicit muscle contraction in rehabilitation training after spinal cord injury (SCI). Conventional FES modalities include stimulations coupled with rowing, cycling, assisted walking and other derivatives. In this review, we studied thirteen clinical reports from the past 5 years and evaluated the effects of various FES aided rehabilitation plans on the functional recovery after SCI, highlighting upper and lower extremity strength, cardiopulmonary function, and balder control. We further explored potential mechanisms of FES using the Hebbian theory and lumbar locomotor central pattern generators. Overall, FES can be used to improve respiration, circulation, hand strength, mobility, and metabolism after SCI.

Keywords: Functional electrical stimulation; Neuroplasticity; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Central Pattern Generators / physiology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Neurological
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / instrumentation
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder / physiopathology
  • Urination Disorders / etiology
  • Urination Disorders / rehabilitation