Surface funcational electrical stimulation (FES) for walking in complete spinal cord lesioned (SCL) individuals

Aim: Improve gait in individuals with incomplete SCL. Methods: After inclusion, an initial assessment was performed including ASIA, FIM, walking endurance, and Observational Gait Analysis (OGA). A FES-strategy was developed. The FES was used at home and adjusted in the centre before a final assessment. Participants: 72 came for initial evaluation, and 31 had the wish to continue the use of FES after termination of the study. FES-strategy:Of these 14 used one channel, 16 two channels, and 1 three channels for stimulation. 26 used unilateral, and 5 bilateral stimulation. In 28 instances the flexor withdrawal reflex was used, in 10 quadriceps, and in 9 the dorsiflexors. Results: No significant difference was found for the walking endurance, but the gait was evaluated to be better by the OGA. Conclusion: For selected incomplete SCL individuals surface FES deliver an improved quality of walking.