What is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)?
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an intervention that uses a low amount of electrical current to activate deconditioned or paralyzed muscles. Small pads, called electrodes, are placed on the skin over targeted muscles of the arms, legs, or core to provide electrical stimulation to your peripheral nerves. This stimulation causes the nerve to fire which evokes a muscle contraction. FES creates patterned movement in the arms, legs, and/or core, with the purpose of producing a functional movement. FES can be safely applied from your wheelchair.
Who can benefit from a FES program?
Conditions that may benefit from a FES program include, but are not limited to:
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Parkinson’s disease
What are the perceptible benefits of regular use of a FES bike?
Regular use of FES promotes many health benefits, which may include:
The best outcomes are achieved with 3 or more sessions of FES cycling per week.
- Prevention of disuse atrophy,
- Increased muscle strength and muscle endurance,
- Improve grip functions such as grasping and releasing,
- Maintenance or increases in bone mineral density,
- Increased cardiorespiratory fitness,
- Improved blood circulation,
- Maintained or increased range of motion,
- Relaxation of muscle spasms,
- Reduced secondary health complications such as pressure sores and
- Improved mental wellbeing.
The best outcomes are achieved with 3 or more sessions of FES cycling per week.
Isabelle's Testimony, diagnosed as having a multiple sclerosis
A few weeks ago, I started my Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike adventure, accompanied by a professional and caring team. I have already seen changes! My gait is improving, I feel better in my body and in my head, and as a bonus, some of my muscles are getting better defined. This process helps me to accept my illness and encourages my social exchanges by having weekly meetings with people who are also experiencing challenges.
- Isabelle, July 20, 2022
- Isabelle, July 20, 2022
What are contraindications of a FES bike?
The following are some of contraindications of FES:
- Implanted electronic devices that may be adversely affected by FES, such as a cardiac pacemaker,
- Unhealed bone fractures,
- Severe contractures, extremely limited joint range of motion, or amputations that preclude cycling,
- Extreme osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or osteogenesis imperfecta and
- Pregnancy
Who are the therapists involved?
In Quebec, functional electrical stimulation is considered an invasive form of energy. It is one of the activities reserved for certain health professionals. For this reason, FES bike will be operated by a therapist who holds the title of Physiotherapy technologist (formerly Physical Rehabilitation Technician) after a physiotherapist's evaluation or a doctor's autorisation. Details will be explained to you by a member of our staff after we receive and review your application form.
