Does FES help with other complications of SCI?
Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Shannon Sproule | Published: 10 October 2017 | Updated: ~
The effects of FES treatment may also help to prevent complications of SCI like pressure sores, bone loss, spasticity, and orthostatic hypotension. These benefits may accompany gains in strength or fitness related to FES treatment.
Pressure sores
Although it is commonly thought that increased muscle bulk from FES will reduce the risk of
pressure sores
, there are not very many studies which have looked at whether this actually happens. One study provides weak evidence that FES cycling for 2 years reduced the number of pressure ulcers that occurred after SCI. Another study showed that regular FES cycling showed a trend toward reducing seat pressures.
Bone health
Research studies show that FES cycling does not prevent bone loss after SCI (moderate evidence from two studies). However, it may help to increase
bone density
that has already been lost, although the evidence for this is
conflicting
(based on six studies). It is not clear whether any gains in bone density last long-term or if continued FES treatment is needed for them to be maintained.
Spasticity
It is not clear what effects FES has on spasticity after SCI. There is conflicting evidence from three studies about whether FES cycling can help to reduce spasticity after SCI.
Orthostatic hypotension
Three studies provide moderate evidence that FES of the legs during a single change in position reduced orthostatic hypotension. However, this only shows that FES prevents orthostatic hypotension while it is applied, and further research is needed to look at what benefits this could have to people living with SCI.