Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Multiple Sclerosis
FES for Mobility and Muscle Weakness
Types of FES Devices
- People with “foot drop” have difficulty lifting their foot while walking and are at risk of falling. Weakness in the thigh muscles can lead to difficulty standing up from a chair, lifting the legs for walking or climbing stairs.
- How FES devices may be used: FES devices may be used alone or in combination with physical therapy and medical equipment (such as a cane, a walker or an ankle-foot orthotic), depending on where you experience weakness. Electrical impulses from FES devices activate leg muscles, allowing you to lift your foot or move your leg. You would usually wear these devices continuously while up and about.
- Potential outcomes: These devices may improve your ability to do daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair), decrease fatigue and lessen the energy cost of walking. Evidence shows that FES devices may help while you are wearing them but may not help long-term muscle movement when they are taken off.
physical or occupational therapy sessions while practicing daily living activities or performing strengthening exercises. Some FES devices stimulate the muscles of the hand to help you perform these activities. Devices may also be used at rest to stimulate muscles and increase blood flow, decrease pain and slow the muscles from wasting away (muscle atrophy). - Potential outcomes: These devices may lessen spasticity and increase hand strength and the ability to grasp objects. Evidence shows FES devices may help while on but may not help with long-term improvement.
Some people living with MS may experience hand weakness making it difficult to grasp objects and perform other daily tasks like cleaning, preparing food, getting dressed or writing.
- How FES devices may be used: FES devices may be used during physical or occupational therapy sessions while practicing daily living activities or performing strengthening exercises. Some FES devices stimulate the muscles of the hand to help you perform these activities. Devices may also be used at rest to stimulate muscles and increase blood flow, decrease pain and slow the muscles from wasting away (muscle atrophy).
- Potential outcomes: These devices may lessen spasticity and increase hand strength and the ability to grasp objects. Evidence shows FES devices may help while on but may not help with long-term improvement.
Functional electrical stimulation enables people with weakness or mobility limitations to exercise and challenge their cardiovascular system. FES devices can be used for exercise with specially designed stationary bicycles.
- How devices may be used: These devices may be used in therapy settings, adaptive fitness centers or in your home. FES cycles typically lack a seat, so there is space for people who use a wheelchair to remain seated. Electrical stimulation is applied to leg muscles to time muscle contractions to help you pedal. Some cycles can provide extra assistance with a motor that moves the pedals.
- Potential outcomes: FES cycling shares some of the benefits of other forms of exercise. It may decrease spasticity, fatigue and pain, increase endurance and cognitive processing speed, and improve quality of life. Disadvantages include potential skin irritation or equipment failure. Also, they typically cannot be used near water.