FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES OF PERSONS WITH QUADRIPLEGIA

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic injury to the cervical segment of the spinal cord causes disability and quadriplegia. Upper limb mobility and restoration of hand function is a priority for recovery, and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) enables this. Functional electrical stimulators for the upper extremities are designed to increase physical function in these individuals. Aim: A review of the available literature, published in relevant, electronic databases of biomedical data, finds evidence of the importance of functional electrical stimulators in upper extremity function and motor control in people with quadriplegia. Material and method: Using the keywords “quadriplegia”, “FES”, “upper extremity”, “functional ability”, “motor control” and “traumatic injury”, the three authors reviewed the available papers published from 2017 to 2022 according to pre-established rules.  Excluding papers older than five years, papers that were not available in full text or written in English, 57 were selected, six of which were selected in the research. Results: Functional electrical stimulators improve the functional ability of the upper extremities immediately after and after application. They cause neurophysiological changes in the central nervous system and cortical reorganization, which depends on the synchronization of voluntary command and successful execution of the planned task. In order to preserve neurological function, sensory stimulation is important, because neuroplasticity is stimulated by synchronization of voluntary command and successful execution of the planned task. Conclusion: A search of the literature confirmed the advantage of functional electrical stimulation as an effective intervention in improving motor control and functional ability of the upper extremities of people with quadriplegia.