FES & Recovery of Central Nervous System
WHY AND HOW DOES FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMUALTION ENHANCES RECOVERYING OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CONDITIONS
Why does it work?
In patient with central nervous system injury, stroke, Multiple sclerosis and transverse myelitis spinal injury TM using functional electrical stimulation improves motor control, bladder function, walking, and improves function of upper extremity and hand function. The study had showed that it has an effect on muscle activity it makes one muscle relax and the opposite muscle to contract.
They are more studies being carried out at a cell level and on stimulation improving axonal growth.
Other studies show that FES helps inflammatory neural programme whilst the exact mechanism is not yet known.
How does it work?
In the last several years, there has been a great deal of work on the brain plasticity in rehabilitation treatment and has been a real factor in improvement of neurological impairment. Neurological impairment means that person has lost sensation ie touch hot/cold sharp and blunt sense of weight and vibration.
The experiments have shown increase blood flow to the different part of the brain area responsible for sensation and motor activity. This means using functional electrical stimulation on a regular basis improves hand function and reduces tightness in the upper extremity. Also, in the lower limbs, FES improves ability to transfer weight to the affected side, improves sensation of weight and balance.
Neurological impaired patients, lose the ability to plan their movements, their bodies feel heavy and their limbs feel stiff, consequently they cannot sit or stand; balance is poor in sitting, standing and walking.
In multiple sclerosis, it improves sensation and movements, if it is used in the trunk, it improves sitting ability as well as improving weight bearing and balance in the lower limbs.
They are many devices in the market, but I recommend to contact neuro-physiotherapist
Birkdale neuro centre we are running a two day master class on 21st and 22nd May with guest speakers who are leading in this field.
