Functional neuromuscular stimulation in 4 patients with complete paraplegia

The effect of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) on muscle strength and endurance was studied in 3 patients with long-standing complete injuries (T7-T12) and in 1 patient with a recent complete injury (T5). All 4 patients became strong enough to rise, stand and to walk a few steps within parallel bars. However, only 1 patient was able to walk without parallel bars (60 m). The energy demand of FNS-assisted walking was measured to be more than 60% of the maximal endurance capacity of this patient. This finding partly explains the low patient acceptance of FNS.