Maintenance, training and functional use of denervated muscles

In the case of cerebral paralyses electrical stimulation can not only maintain the muscles, but may also enable their functional use. In flaccid paralyses, however, the conventional therapy using exponential currents produces rather unsatisfactory results. Only when applying bi-directional currents, were we successful in producing tetanic contractions. At present, some 20 children suffering from different diseases, such as spina bifida, Erb's palsy or a tumour of the cord, perform a daily domiciliary treatment with especially constructed home stimulators. Measurements prove distinct improvements of blood circulation, phosphoric metabolism and of the condition of the affected extremities. First investigations with computer-controlled, multi-channel devices show that by means of these devices the efficiency of training can be improved, the daily time for treatment can be shortened, and the disabled patient can perform the training almost autonomously. The existing experience on simple locomotion chains, and the achieved strengthening of the muscles will gradually enable a functional electrical stimulation of flaccid, denerved muscles and thus extend the radius of action for the disabled patient, for example by gripping, standing upright or walking.