The mechanisms of the action of electrical stimulation of muscles.

The mechanisms of the action of electrical stimulation of muscles are discussed. We believe that the principal cause for the good results obtained in cases of stress incontinence with electrical stimulation must be due to the formation of a better reflex in contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor. This, however, envolves changes at the level of the spinal cord.

Functional electrical stimulation of the extremities: part 1.

Functional electrical stimulation of the extremities (FES) is a new method for the rehabilitation of paralysed paretic patients. Small, electronic stimulators are worn by the patient, who can voluntarily control the electrical currents applied to his paralysed muscle. These currents activate the disabled extremities and make them at least partially functional once more.

Electrical stimulation and feedback training: effects on the voluntary control of paretic muscles.

The carry-over effect of gait-synchronized stimulation of the peroneal nerve on voluntary dorsiflexion of the paretic foot was evaluated in hemiplegic patients. The influence of providing audiovisual feedback of performance on voluntary control was also evaluated. Each patient received three test sessions separated at least one week apart.

Selection of patients with urinary incontinence for application of functional electrical stimulation.

Contradictory data from the literature along with our own experience using functional electrical stimulation (FES) have facilitated the determination of objective criteria for the application of FES in correcting urinary incontinence. Simultaneous urodynamic, neurophysiological, and radiological examinations employed during our studies enabled us to determine changes in these parameters due to FEX. Among a large number of patients with urinary incontinence (for example: paraplegics, patients with spina bifida, stress incontinence following prostate operations, or resistant enuresis) we have determined that FES is appropriate if applied to properly selected patients.