Functional Electrical Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury: From Theory to Practice

This article outlines steps to practical application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) within activity-based restorative therapy (ABRT). Drawing from current evidence, specific applications of FES intended to help restore function lost to spinal cord injury and associated neurologic disease are discussed. The medical and therapeutic indications, precautions, and contraindications are reviewed to help participants with appropriate patient selection, treatment planning, and assessment. Also included are the physiological implications of FES and alterable parameters, including dosing and timing, for a desired response. Finally, approaches to improve cortical representation and motor learning and to transition emerging movement into functional tasks are reviewed.