Neuroscience

Rehabilitation

Paralysis

Stroke (engine)

Population

Engineering

Surgery

GRASP

Physical therapy

Psychology

Brain–computer interface

Neuroprosthetics

Programming language

Stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation

Spinal cord injury

Computer science

Spinal cord

Electroencephalography

Medicine

Mechanical engineering

Environmental health

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

BioMedical Engineering OnLine

Functional electrical stimulation is a technique to produce functional movements after paralysis. Electrical discharges are applied to a person’s muscles making them contract in a sequence that allows performing tasks such as grasping a key, holding a toothbrush, standing, and walking. The technology was developed in the sixties, during which initial clinical use started, emphasizing its potential as an assistive device. Since then, functional electrical stimulation has evolved into an important therapeutic intervention that clinicians can use to help individuals who have had a stroke or a spinal cord injury regain their ability to stand, walk, reach, and grasp. With an expected growth in the aging population, it is likely that this technology will undergo important changes to increase its efficacy as well as its widespread adoption. We present here a series of functional electrical stimulation systems to illustrate the fundamentals of the technology and its applications. Most of the concepts continue to be in use today by modern day devices. A brief description of the potential future of the technology is presented, including its integration with brain–computer interfaces and wearable (garment) technology.

Functional electrical stimulation therapy for restoration of motor function after spinal cord injury and stroke: a review