The use of electricity to evoke s skeletal muscle response is FES, which is a form of functional electrical stimulation. In the case of the damaged spinal cord, the technique can supply stimulation to the lower moter neurons and their muscle fiber, which have been disconnected from control of the higher nervous system. Recent advances in electronics, particularly miniaturization, have made possible the design of much improved systems of electrodes and stimulaters for FES. Clinical research has followed two main lines: the use of FES in the upper extremities for producing functional hand rehabilitation in quadriplegics and in the lower extremities for producing standing and gait in paraplegics.

• 이재호(연세의료원 재활병원 물리치료실) | Lee Jae-ho