[Functional electrical stimulation in the reciprocal locomotion of paraplegic patients]

The functional electrical stimulations is employed for standing-up posture and reciprocal locomotion in paraplegic patients. Five male paraplegic patients, level D5-D12 mean age 32.4 years, were treated with functional electrical stimulation, during two months. The quadriceps and fibular nerves were stimulated for 30 minutes, twice a day. After the training period, two patients were able to remain in the stand-up position and walk in parallel bars; one of them was able to use a walker. In other patients the technique was without effect for standing and walking. This method is not the solution for locomotion of paraplegics and more research is needed for the improvement of the results of functional electrical stimulation.