Restoring voluntary grasping function in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury patients using functional electrical stimulation

Speakers/panelists: 

• Dr. Milos R Popovic
• Molly Verrier
• Naaz Kapadia Desai

Workshop Description: ½ Day

The aim of this workshop is to illustrate the application of functional electrical stimulation therapy for retraining upper extremity function, in particular grasping, in individuals with spinal cord injury

One of the most promising approaches to improve motor function in individuals with neurological ailments is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). FES is a methodology that uses bursts of short electrical pulses to generate muscle contraction. If these electrical pulses are applied to motor nerves they can elicit Action Potentials that propagate along the axons towards the target muscle. The two widely discussed approaches to FES include 1) Implanted Neuroprosthesis and 2) Surface stimulation. We will focus on surface stimulation protocols that allow one to introduce FES training during the early rehabilitation period to assist with promoting recovery.

Objectives:

• Define FES
• Identify parameters of FES as appropriate for individual patient/patient populations
• Have an understanding of the clinical application of FES
• Identify indications and contraindications
• Describe upper extremity outcome measures that are able to detect change post FES therapy.

The participants will be given an opportunity to experience the stimulation on themselves. The session will be followed by a discussion regarding implications of FES interventions and current/future upper extremity rehabilitation assessment and best practices.

Minimum number of attendees: 20