Welcome to another edition of the Oriems Fit Research Digest! In this blog series, we explore the latest research to bring you fascinating wellness insights. Today, we're looking at Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES - a niche of EMS), a method that may help people with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their walking ability. Read on to learn about what FES is, how it works, and what this new research shows.
Original Research Title
"Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Therapy"
Authors: Conducted by researchers funded by the MS Trust at Salisbury District Hospital in the UK.
Who Conducted This Research?
This research was conducted at Salisbury District Hospital in the United Kingdom. The hospital has a strong reputation for its rehabilitation studies, especially for neurological conditions like MS. Researchers there have been studying FES since the 1980s, and the MS Trust (a well-respected charity for multiple sclerosis) funded this work.
What Was This Study About?
This research explored how FES, a type of electric therapy, might help people with foot drop, a condition that makes it hard to lift the front part of the foot when walking. Foot drop can cause falls and difficulty walking. FES uses small electrical pulses to stimulate muscles and help with walking movement. The research aimed to see if FES could help people walk further, faster, and more steadily.
Who Was This Study Done On?
The study focused on people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), which often leads to weakened muscles and walking difficulties. Participants had foot drop and mobility limitations.
How Was the Study Done?
Participants were divided into two groups: one group received FES therapy, while the other group practiced physiotherapy exercises. They measured effects on walking, independence in daily activities, and number of falls.
Key Findings – Does FES Help?
Improved Walking Distance:
In the randomized controlled trial (RCT), the FES group walked significantly farther during the 3-minute walk test than the exercise-only group.
Reduced Falls:
Over 18 weeks, participants using FES reported a median of 5 falls, compared to 18 falls in the exercise-only group (p = 0.036).
Better Daily Function:
Scores on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) showed significant improvements in both performance and satisfaction for the FES group (p < 0.05).
Increased Walking Speed:
In a separate 2-week trial with 19 participants, the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test improved significantly (p < 0.0001).
Improved Quality of Life:
On the MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) and MS Impact Scale (MSIS-29), both physical and psychological scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001).
Greater Dorsiflexion and Endurance:
In a 12-week pilot study, dorsiflexion angle and 10m/2-min walk distances improved significantly (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively), while perceived exertion dropped by 1.2 points.
Why Could FES Be Helpful for Certain Conditions?
FES sends small electrical pulses to stimulate muscles, which helps them contract. For people with MS or foot drop, this can make walking smoother and reduce the need for constant effort with each step. Over time, this may help strengthen certain muscle pathways and improve movement.
How This Study Could Help People Using EMS Devices
While FES is primarily used for foot drop, the idea behind it is similar to that of EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) devices. This research suggests that EMS could potentially be used to help people with weakened muscles gain better control and function over time.
Where Can You Find More Information?
The full details are available from a trusted source, the MS Trust website: MS Trust FES Information. The MS Trust is known for high-quality health research, especially related to multiple sclerosis.
Link to study 1
About Oriems Fit Research Digest
At Oriems Fit Research Digest, we simplify complex research to make it easy for everyone to understand. We want to inspire curiosity and help our readers learn about wellness from reliable, science-backed sources.
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying new treatments. For our full disclaimer, visit ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST Disclaimer.
