Functional electrical stimulation of walking: function, exercise and rehabilitation.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been utilized for nearly 50 years to aid walking in individuals with paralysis or muscle weakness.
• Initial FES applications aimed to replace lost neuromuscular function.
• Subsequent research revealed therapeutic benefits of FES-assisted walking, including muscle strengthening, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, and improved gait, persisting post-intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted walking systems developed over the past 4.5 decades.
• To examine both experimental and commercial FES systems.
• To discuss the evolution and impact of FES technology in restoring and improving walking function.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems for walking.
• Analysis of experimental and commercial FES-assisted walking technologies.
• Categorization of FES systems, including foot drop stimulators, multichannel stimulators, and hybrid orthotic systems.

Main Results:

• Overview of key FES-assisted walking systems developed over 45 years.
• Identification of diverse FES system types, from basic foot drop stimulators to complex hybrid orthotics.
• Documentation of FES's dual role: restoring function and providing lasting therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) offers significant advancements in restoring walking for individuals with paralysis.
• FES-assisted walking provides sustained therapeutic benefits, improving muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and gait.
• The evolution of FES systems demonstrates ongoing innovation in assistive and rehabilitative technologies for mobility impairments.