Does FES improve strength and fitness after SCI?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Shannon Sproule | Published: 10 October 2017 | Updated: ~

Several studies have shown that FES helps to improve strength and fitness after SCI.

Studies have shown that both FES arm exercise and FES cycling helps to maintain or improve strength after SCI. However, FES cycling may be more effective for maintaining strength after injury than improving strength that has already been lost. This is supported by

moderate evidence

from five studies.

Fifteen studies have looked at FES for improving many different aspects of fitness after SCI. Taken altogether, these studies provide

weak evidence

that FES training done at least 3 days per week for 2 months helps to improve many aspects of

cardiovascular fitness

after SCI.

Studies show that FES improves walking speed and distance in people with both incomplete and complete SCI. Some of these studies also showed that regular use of FES carried over to improve walking even without FES. This is supported by weak evidence from eight studies.