Functional Electrical Stimulation
Also written as: FES — Functional Electrical Stimulation
A technique that applies low-level electrical currents to paralysed or weakened muscles to produce functional movements during rehabilitation tasks.
Full Definition
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) uses precisely timed electrical impulses delivered via surface or implanted electrodes to activate muscles that cannot be voluntarily controlled due to upper motor neurone lesions, such as those resulting from stroke or spinal cord injury. In geriatric rehabilitation, FES is most commonly applied to address foot drop during gait retraining, or to facilitate upper limb function following stroke. Editors should distinguish FES from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is used for pain management rather than functional movement production. The acronym FES should be expanded on first use. It should not be confused with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which may be used for muscle strengthening rather than producing functional movement.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use. Distinguish from TENS (pain relief) and NMES (strengthening); FES specifically produces functional movement during task performance.
In Context
- "Functional Electrical Stimulation was trialled to address foot drop and improve gait safety during the patient's stroke rehabilitation program." — Physiotherapy intervention note
- "The FES device was calibrated to activate the tibialis anterior during the swing phase of gait." — Rehabilitation technology report