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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
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Functional electrical stimulation for incomplete spinal cord injury.
1Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, Baylor Scott and White Health, Dallas, Texas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|December 9, 2014
Summary
This case report highlights the early use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for an incomplete spinal cord injury patient. FES aided motor recovery, enabling a return to ambulation with a cane.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in significant motor deficits, impacting ambulation.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an emerging technology for SCI rehabilitation.
- Early intervention is crucial for maximizing motor recovery potential in SCI patients.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female sustained a C7 burst fracture, leading to a C8 AIS B spinal cord injury.
- She initially required a rolling walker for household ambulation and a manual wheelchair for community mobility.
- The patient received early functional electrical stimulation as part of her acute rehabilitation.
Findings:
- Following early FES intervention, the patient demonstrated progressive motor recovery.
- At discharge, she could ambulate household distances with supervision and a rolling walker.
- Four months post-discharge, she achieved community ambulation using a standard cane.
Implications:
- Early FES application may accelerate motor recovery and improve functional ambulation in individuals with incomplete SCI.
- This case suggests FES can be a valuable adjunct therapy in the early stages of SCI rehabilitation.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term efficacy and optimal protocols for FES in SCI.
