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 movement.
Full Definition
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation technology that uses brief pulses of electrical current to stimulate peripheral nerves and activate muscles that have lost voluntary control due to neurological injury or disease. FES is commonly used to restore walking, hand grip, or bladder control in individuals with spinal cord injury or stroke. In clinical documents, the acronym FES should be expanded on first use; editors should note that 'neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)' is a related but distinct term and the two should not be used interchangeably. FES specifically implies a functional goal, whereas NMES may be used for muscle strengthening without a direct functional aim.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from NMES and TENS in clinical copy. FES implies a functional rehabilitation goal; NMES and TENS do not necessarily.
In Context
- "The patient completed twelve weeks of functional electrical stimulation therapy targeting dorsiflexion during gait." — Discharge summary
- "FES cycling was prescribed as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy for spinal cord injury rehabilitation." — Rehabilitation protocol document