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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
New functional electrical stimulation approaches to standing and walking
Vivian K Mushahwar1, Patrick L Jacobs, Richard A Normann
1Department of Cell Biology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Neuroprosthetic devices offer promising solutions for restoring mobility and improving health after spinal cord injury (SCI). Surface and implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES), nerve arrays, and intraspinal microstimulation are explored for enhanced function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prevalent neurological trauma primarily affecting young individuals.
- Restoring function after SCI is a major challenge, with ongoing research in neuroregeneration, pharmacology, and rehabilitation engineering.
- Neuroprosthetic devices are emerging as a key intervention for functional recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroprosthetic devices for restoring standing and ambulation after SCI.
- To discuss the advantages and future needs of four distinct neuroprosthetic approaches.
- To highlight the potential of these technologies for improving general health and wellness.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of surface functional electrical stimulation (FES) for ambulation and physiological activation.
- Presentation of implanted muscle-based FES devices in clinical trials for standing and walking.
- Demonstration of implanted peripheral nerve intraneural arrays for graded force control during sit-to-stand.
- Introduction of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) of the lumbosacral spinal cord for restoring function.
Main Results:
- Surface FES aids ambulation and systemic physiological activation.
- Implanted FES devices show promise in clinical trials for standing and walking.
- Nerve arrays enable fine motor control for sit-to-stand maneuvers.
- ISMS has demonstrated potential in restoring standing and walking capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Neuroprosthetic devices, including FES, nerve arrays, and ISMS, offer diverse strategies for SCI functional restoration.
- Further advancements are needed to improve clinical applicability and user satisfaction.
- These technologies hold significant potential for enhancing mobility, health, and overall quality of life post-SCI.
