Acute phase functional electrical stimulation for the upper limb after cervical spinal cord injury

Aims: Anecdotal evidence suggests that early treatment with functional electrical stimulation (FES) to specific upper limb muscles and muscle groups may improve functional outcome and long-term independence in the high-level tetraplegic patient. This improvement may lead to increased independence in daily life. The authors aimed to investigate these assertions using a case study design, and encourage further work on this treatment strategy. Methods: The implementation of FES at an early stage post-injury in one cervical spinal cord-injured patient is described. FES was applied with the aim of improving functional use of upper limbs. Muscle strength was assessed, using manual muscle testing with the Oxford scale, at commencement and cessation of FES treatment. Independence in activities of daily living was also recorded. Findings: This case study suggests that use of FES applied during the acute phase following injury can have a positive effect on both physical and psychological outcomes. Conclusions: Further work is recommended to strengthen the evidence for this intervention.