Psychological Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

There has been considerable interest in utilizing functional electrical stimulation (FES) to help spinal cord injured individuals rebuild atrophied muscles and improve overall fitness and functioning. While most studies have addressed the physiological benefits accruing from FES training, there has been consistent conjecture that FES training leads to significant psychological benefits as well. In this report, the literature on the psychological effects of FES exercise training is reviewed. The studies that have examined the psychological effects of FES training have found improvements in self-esteem, mood factors, depression, and anxiety that parallel the changes noted in ablebodied individuals who exercise and in spinal cord injured individuals who participate in non-FES exercise programs. Some negative effects have also been reported, such as increased tension and anger and decreased motivation. In addition to these published findings, guidelines for more systematic research in this area are presented, and the underlying mechanisms by which exercise affects psychological state are discussed. © 1992, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.