Pediatric Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
In the world of research, adults are first studied followed by research with children. This is because the differences in the adult and pediatric bodies require following separate safety issues. However, some researchers are doing tandem studies that include children but with safety concerns strictly in place.
This is especially happening in the world of transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) by several research groups. Transcutaneous means on top of the skin. Functional electrical stimulation is providing input through the skin to muscles and nerves to improve function. Devices are being made for children to improve function by the application of a patch of electrodes on the skin over the spinal column. A small power pack is used to provide the amount of stimulation.
FES works when electrical stimulation is provided to muscles or directly to nerves to cause or assist in creating a movement. The intensity of the stimulation is regulated to the needs of your child. If sensation is present in the body, the amount of stimulation feels like a tingling, not pain. The dosage of the amount of stimulation is regulated to the needs of your child for function and comfort. This is not a painful procedure.
Although FES is just coming to market, eventually, all diagnostic sources of paralysis will have FES as a treatment option. This includes children with head injury, stroke, or spinal cord injury from either disease or injury. Spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy are just some of the neurological diagnoses that are included in the treatment.
Each child will have the stimulation adjusted to their individual needs. Some might want a boost to just the arm to enhance self-feeding or holding a pencil. Others may require stimulation to improve sitting balance. Others will use FES for bowel and bladder function or standing and walking. It is important to note that FES can help with avoiding complications such as scoliosis by keeping the muscles and bones in alignment. FES is not limited to just one need but can be adapted to many concerns.
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
Therapy will be needed with a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or both. A Speech and Language Therapist may interact especially with communication and feeding adaptions. It does take several weeks for the child to learn new skills with this therapy. As a parent or guardian, you will need to learn how to assist your child with the equipment and encourage new skills at home.
Children with neurological issues might use FES for:
- Movement
- Strength
- Coordination
- Reduction of tone/spasticity
- Increased independence
The functional goals of FES for children may include:
- Gait and Balance
- Activities of Daily Living
- School Activities
- Communication
- Quality of Life
Management concerns include:
- Injury from electrodes such as burns. The equipment will be adjusted to the individual needs of your child to avoid this issue.
- Overuse of muscles as sometimes your child or you can be thrilled with the function and not stop for a rest. New use of muscles is like the effects of over-exercising.
- Pain is rare if the device is adjusted to the uniqueness of your child, However, as the device is used, some natural function may occur making some of the earlier intensity not necessary.
In the coming year, you will be able to obtain FES for your child in your hometown. It will be available as needed and recommended. Your child will not be required to be in a clinical trial to get this treatment.