When applying FES to patients, proper evaluation must be performed prior to treating patient. Patients with thoracic lesions between are suitable for FES. However, these patients must have excitability of the leg muscles. Thus, excitability testing is an essential part of the screening program(stimulation at 80V gives a response). Before standing or walking is attempted the patients must perform restrengthening exercise, so that the Quadriceps muscle group minimum strength is 40 Nm (corresponding to a manual grade of F+ to G). After that walking and standing can be attempted. The effects of FES are as follows: prevents pressure sores; development and maintenance of muscle properties; prevents disuse atrophy and contractures.

• 이재호(연세의료원 재활병원 물리치료실) | Lee Jae-ho