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Abstract
Technological advances have helped to improve functional ability in spinal cord injury survivors. The aim of this study is to systematically review the evidence for functional electrical stimulation (FES) on functional tasks involving the upper limb in people with spinal cord injuries. The authors systematically searched from September 2009 to September 2014 in relevant databases using a combination of keywords covering spinal cord injury and FES. Studies were selected using pre-determined criteria. The search yielded 144 studies. Only five studies met the inclusion criteria. All five reported improvements immediately and at follow-up in functional ability as a result of FES or FES combined with conventional therapy. There is some preliminary evidence that FES may reduce disability due to upper limb-related activity limitations in tetraplegic spinal cord injury. Further work needs to examine the role of FES in more detail and in combination with other treatments.
Acknowledgements
Dr Siddesh Patil is an Academic Clinical Fellow funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.