|
Functional electrical therapy| old_uid | 5265 |
|---|
| title | Functional electrical therapy |
|---|
| start_date | 2008/09/15 |
|---|
| schedule | 16h |
|---|
| online | no |
|---|
| details | organized by Agnès Roby-Bramy |
|---|
| summary | FET is the procedure that integrates intensive exercise and electrical stimulation of distal arm and hand muscles that augment the grasping. In some humans (e.g., hemiplegic patients, tetraplegic patients) the FET promotes and speeds up the recovery of the reaching and grasping. Preliminary results suggested that the positive changes in the functioning of the paretic arm caused by the FET are long lasting.
The FET stimulator excites paralysed or paretic sensory-motor systems and promotes movements. In most hemiplegic people it can generate movement of the fingers and the thumb if the electrodes are appropriately positioned. Stimulator provides functions that are otherwise compromised; therefore it facilitates performances of many typical daily activities. This facilitation could encourage daily, functional use of the more affected arm (shoulder and elbow movements, and grasp). The intensified use of the shoulder and elbow of the more affected arm is beneficial for the over-all functioning. Stimulator allows lifting and manipulating with the objects, which is instrumental for the independence and ability to function at home, community and employment setting.
General theories exist regarding the neurophysiological basis of neurorehabilitation by using FET. The following processes are likely contributing to the training of the neural and muscular systems when applying FET:
· Arm muscles are activated in a functional manner through the stimulation of the peripheral motor nerves. In this way, functional activities, which may not be feasible without support, can be performed. Furthermore, the stimulation results in strengthening of the activated paretic muscles.
· The bodyÅfs sensory system generates sensory signals providing information about the performance of functional activities.
· Sensory signals are furthermore generated directly by the excitation of sensory nerve fibers in the stimulated peripheral motor nerves.
/Web site/ /with journal papers that can be downloaded:/ http://www.smi.hst.aau.dk/
members/mpo/ |
|---|
| responsibles | van Vreeswijk, Battaglia |
|---|
| |
|