Evidence-Based Research
Published Research Articles
For over 40 years, scientists have intensively researched Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), focusing on coordinated muscle contraction through peripheral nerve stimulation. This extensive research has resulted in thousands of peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, showcasing the numerous benefits of FES therapy. Studies demonstrate that FES therapy significantly aids in restoring movement, even if involuntary, offering promising advancements in rehabilitation and mobility solutions. Explore the proven impact of FES therapy and how it can enhance patient outcomes.
Such activity can help:
- Reverse the effects of muscle disuse atrophy
- Alleviate the secondary complications(hyperlink to Secondary Complications
- Section) associated with a sedentary lifestyle caused by immobility
- Improve quality of life
”Keeping active can...lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, as well as reduce stress and boost mood. Inactive (sedentary) lifestyles do just the opposite.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 20 Oct. 2012. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
Sample Publications
Muscle anatomy/physiology
- MS –Â Reynolds et al 2015
- SCI – Griffin et al 2019, Field-Fote 2001
- CP –Â Johnston and Wainwright 2011
Glucose/insulin metobolism
Cardiorespiratory function
- SCI – Ptasinski 2013, Ptasinski 2010, Kahn et al 2010
- CVA –Â Lee et el 2013
Quality of life/Self-perception
Seated Pressure
Mobility/motor measures
- CVA – Bauer et al 2015, Lee et al 2013, Daly et al 2011, Ambrosini el al 2011, Alon et al 2010
- SCI – Sharif 2014, Griffin et al 2009, Hesse et al 2004, Field-Fote 2001
- CP – Johnston and Wainwright 2011, Trevisi et al 2011
Spasticity
- CVA – Lo et al 2012, Yeh et al 2010
- MS – Szecsi et al 2009, Krause et al 2007
- SCI –Â Krause et al 2008
Sensory or cognitive function
- SCI –Â Griffin et al 2009
Arm/hand function
- SCI –Â Ptasinski et al 2013
Muscle anatomy/physiology
- MS –Â Ratchford et al 2010
- SCI – Sadowsky et al 2013, Dolbow et al 2012, Johnston et al 2011
Glucose/insulin metobolism
- SCI –Â Mohr et al 2001
Bone structure
- SCI – Hammond, Metcalf, McDonald and Sadowsky 2014, Dolbow, Dolbow, Gorgey, Adler and Gater 2013, Castello et al 2012, Frotzler 2008
Quality of life/self perception
Mobility/motor measures
Spasticity
- SCI –Â Sadowsky et al 2013
Sensory or cognitive function
i. Short term is 1 session to 12 weeks
ii. Long term is more than 3 months
Published Therapeutic Benefits
Published research has shown positive therapeutic benefits from the use of integrated functional electrical stimulation and the following secondary health conditions:
Cardiovascular
- Pneumonia
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Effect of lower extremity functional electrical stimulation pulsed isometric contractions on arm cycling peak oxygen uptake in spinal cord injured individuals, Brurok B, Tørhaug T, Karlsen T, Leivseth G, Helgerud J, Hoff J., J Rehabil Med, 2013
- Cardiorespiratory responses during functional electrical stimulation cycling and electrical stimulation isometric exercise, Fornusek, C; Gwinn, TH; Heard, R, Spinal Cord, 2014
- Passive leg movements and passive cycling do not alter arterial leg blood flow in subjects with spinal cord injury. Ter Woerds W; De Groot P.C.; van Kuppevelt D.H.; Hopman M.T., Phys Ther, 2006
- Increased vascular resistance in paralyzed legs after spinal cord injury is reversible by training, Hopman M.T.; Groothuis J.T.; Flendrie M.; Gerrits K.H.Houtman S. J Appl Physiol, 2002
Circulation
- Pressure sore/wound
- Urinary tract infection
- Sepsis
- Lower-Extremity Functional Electrical Stimulation Decreases Platelet Aggregation and Blood Coagulation in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study, Kahn, N.; Feldman, S.; Bauman, W., J of Spinal Cord Med, 2010
- Passive leg movements and passive cycling do not alter arterial leg blood flow in subjects with spinal cord injury. Ter Woerds W; De Groot P.C.; van Kuppevelt D.H.; Hopman M.T., Phys Ther, 2006
- Increased vascular resistance in paralyzed legs after spinal cord injury is reversible by training, Hopman M.T.; Groothuis J.T.; Flendrie M.; Gerrits K.H.Houtman S. J Appl Physiol, 2002
Quality of life
- Independence
- Activities of daily living
- Home-based functional electrical stimulation cycling enhances quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury., Dolbow DR; Gorgey AS; Ketchum JM; Gater DR, Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2013
Neurological
- Spasticity
- The effect of functional electrical stimulation cycling on late functional improvement in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. E Yaşar, B Yılmaz, S Göktepe and S Kesikburun. Spinal Cord, 2015.
Metobolic
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Muscle atrophy
- The effects of assisted ergometer training with a functional electrical stimulation on exercise capacity and functional ability in subacute stroke patients.Lee SY; Kang SY; Im SH; Kim BR; Kim SM; Yoon HM; Han EY, Ann Rehabil Med, 2013
- Functional electrical stimulation cycling improves body composition, metabolic and neural factors in persons with spinal cord injury, Griffin L.; Decker M.J.; Hwang J.Y.; Wang B.; Kitchen K.; Ding Z.Ivy J.L., J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2009
Psychological
- Depression
- Home-based functional electrical stimulation cycling enhances quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury., Dolbow DR; Gorgey AS; Ketchum JM; Gater DR, Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2013
Bone density
- Bone fracture
- High-volume FES-cycling partially reverses bone loss in people with chronic spinal cord injury Frotzler A.; Coupaud S.; Perret C.; Kakebeeke T.H.; Hunt K.J.; Donaldson Nde N.Eser P., Bone Journal, 2008
- Bone Loss and Muscle Atrophy in Spinal Cord Injury: Epidemiology, Fracture Prediction, and Rehabilitation Strategies, Giangregorio L, McCartney N., J Spinal Cord Med, 2006
- RE: Dr. Oleson; Osteoporosis Rehabilitation: A practical approach to learn more about how Estim and FES function as part of the overall plan of care to preserve bone density.