Functional electrical stimulation, clinical perspective and implications for future neurorehabilitation

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation devices have been available for the purpose of orthotic aids as well as therapeutic tools since many years; however, except for some selected countries the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) has previously not been extensively used in clinical practice. The reason for this is probably manifold. The development of new technologies improving usability, more reports on user satisfaction and confidence during use [1][2] will probably lead to a renewed interest of FES also outside the more addicted supporters. More so the growing evidence on the therapeutic effects of using electrical stimulation as a supplement to other training modalities supports the acknowledgement of the benefits of using electrical stimulation in the clinic. Altogether this is reflected in more national clinical guidelines including FES in neurorehabilitation [3][4].