What is “FES on the Fly”? Essentially an application of therapeutic NMES or FES as a precursor to an activity, such as walking. For example, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used to:

• facilitate a muscle contraction
• provide joint range of motion (ROM)
• strengthen muscle & reduce muscle atrophy
• provide proprioceptive input

The accompanying picture shows therapeutic stimulation  to the tibialis anterior muscle for ankle ROM and motor facilitation.

Therapeutic stimulation can be provided for 15-30 minutes using current ramping and rest periods appropriate for the specific intervention.

NMES can be a valuable pre- gait intervention as it provides the treatment dosage & intensity necessary to address muscle atrophy & facilitate motor recovery in neurologic and orthopaedic rehabilitation.

More “FES on the Fly” coming up in future blogs!