Forward: The Evolution of Functional Electrical Stimulation
Christopher Reeve’s favorite word was ‘Forward’. This is because he was so optimistic about the future and how new discoveries would impact the lives of individuals with paralysis. He was keenly interested in all treatments for paralysis, not only spinal cord injury but from other medical health care issues and trauma. He did not want people with paralysis or researchers to remain stagnant but to move Forward.
Forward movement can have different meanings for different individuals. Some want to hop right on board with research, others have a wait-and-see approach, and others are just fine with how things are. Wherever you fit in the scheme of paralysis research is the right place for you. Being comfortable where you are in life is an accomplishment. However, knowing what is going on in the world of paralysis research will help you define your position.
At this moment in history, we are having a boom in the results of research initiated by scientists with the influence of Christopher Reeve encouraging and advancing the issues. One of the biggest ongoing accomplishments is the adaption of functional electrical stimulation (FES). Electrical stimulation is used in pain control, wound healing, and arthritis among many other conditions. More powerful types of functional electrical stimulation create functional movement in the body.
Some of the first uses of FES have been and continue to be for exercise of non-functioning body parts such as FES cycling in the legs and in the arms. Although the benefits of this therapy have been demonstrated, the cost has made equipment difficult to obtain. Implantable FES devices have been created and continue to be studied.
Join Our Movement
What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change.
Become an Advocate
An external technique of FES has been devised where electrodes are placed on the outer skin over the spinal cord for the creation of functional movement. These devices will become available to the consumer in the new year. Studies will continue but individuals who are seeking this treatment will be able to obtain this equipment without being in a clinical trial. This will be a game changer for individuals seeking to improve hand and arm function as well as bowel and bladder improvement among other physical movements. Function will not be as before paralysis but will be a great improvement for many.
Implantable vagus nerve stimulation for increased arm and hand function is available for those with stroke and understudy for those with spinal cord injury. An externally worn FES device for footdrop is also available now.
Already available on the market is the diaphragmatic pacer to stimulate breathing with less use of mechanical ventilation and for many, no mechanical ventilation. This is a huge step forward in life span and comfort for those whose injury created a need for mechanical ventilation. On the horizon are other implantable devices such as phrenic nerve stimulation.
The study and production of FES devices are booming. Just a few have been mentioned here. Following the progress of these devices is just one way of moving ‘Forward’. You will decide if and when the time is right for you to try these devices.