Effects of FES-Ambulation Training on Locomotor Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2001-58 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of a 12-week FES-ambulation program on walking ability and quality of life for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. FES-ambulation combines body weight support with functional electrical stimulation to potentially maximize muscle contractions and improve walking after a spinal cord injury. The results showed improvements in walking endurance, reduced pain, and better mental health, suggesting FES-ambulation can be a beneficial rehabilitation method.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Six individuals (60.5 ± 13.2 years) with SCI (C4-L3; AIS D; 9.3 ± 12.0 years post injury)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants showed significant improvements in the 6-minute walk test, indicating increased walking endurance after the FES-ambulation training.
2
The study found a significant reduction in the body weight support required during training, demonstrating improved ability to support their own weight.
3
Participants reported a decrease in bodily pain and an increase in overall mental health scores as measured by the Short Form-36 questionnaire.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of a 12-week FES-ambulation program on locomotor function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with AIS D SCI. The main findings of the current study are that 12 weeks of FES-ambulation improved overground walking endurance, reduced pain, and improved overall mental health in individuals with AIS D SCI. The current study suggests that 12 weeks of FES-ambulation training may be an effective means for enhancing overground walking function in individuals with incomplete SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

FES-ambulation can be considered as a rehabilitation strategy to improve walking endurance.

Pain Management

FES-ambulation may help in reducing bodily pain.

Mental Well-being

FES-ambulation can improve the mental health of individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The main limitation in the current study was the small number of participants and the lack of a nonexercising control group.
2
Another limitation was the possible ceiling effect that likely occurred for our measures of walking independence.
3
The final limitation of the current study was the wide range of FES intensities used.

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