1. Rehabilitation With Functional Electronic Stimulation
By Kevin Chhin

2. What is Functional Electrical Stimulation?
Functional Electrical Stimulation or FES is a common tool for neuromuscular rehabilitation.
After an injury, atrophy develops in the affected area.
FES is used to condition the area and build mass in the area.
FES works by inducing muscular contractions.

3. Functional Electrical Stimulation Applications
Other applications of FES include:
Guillain-Barre
Foot Drop
Spinal Cord Injury
Coma
Stroke
Parkinson's disease
Etc.

4. Current Technology: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device (NMES)
There are a variety of NMES devices.
They are extremely common and affordable.
Three basic components include a generator, a lead, and an electrode.
Although NMES devices are primarily used for rehabilitation, portable devices have greater applications.

5. Limitations of the Technology
Although portable devices are available, they are limited by size and battery life.
Although FES strengthens muscle function, it cannot restore it.
The device can cause irritation in the form of burns, blisters, muscle tears, etc.
The time it takes to restore muscle mass, regardless of the vast range can take many weeks or months.

6. Future of the Technology
A smaller, longer lasting device for portable use.
A means to revitalize the connection between nerves and muscle.
A therapy that requires only a single treatment.
A therapy that is able to restore total function of the affected area.

7. Works Cited http://oandplibrary.com/poi/pdf/1993_02_107.pdf