Functional Electrical Stimulation Plus Visual Feedback Balance Training for Standing Balance Performance Among...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) frequently experience impaired standing balance, increasing fall risk.
• Existing therapeutic approaches may not fully address the complex balance deficits post-iSCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel therapeutic tool combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) with visual feedback balance training (VFBT) for improving standing balance in adults with iSCI.
• To assess the impact of FES+VFBT on clinical balance measures and biomechanical sway parameters.

Main Methods:

• Five adults with iSCI underwent 12 FES+VFBT sessions over 4 weeks.
• A closed-loop FES system adjusted electrical stimulation based on real-time center-of-pressure (COP) feedback during balance exercises.
• Balance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using clinical scales and biomechanical tests (postural sway, limits of stability).

Main Results:

• Four out of five participants demonstrated improvements in at least one clinical balance scale.
• All participants exhibited increased maximal COP excursion area in the limits of stability test post-training.
• One participant showed a reduction in postural sway, indicating potential for varied responses.

Conclusions:

• FES+VFBT demonstrates potential as a viable intervention to enhance standing balance and stability in individuals with iSCI.
• The ability to safely practice challenging balance exercises using FES+VFBT was a key factor appreciated by participants.
• Further research is warranted to optimize FES+VFBT protocols and explore its broader application in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.