Functional electrical stimulation (FES) programs to enhance the recovery of geriatric and home health patients.
Presenter: Gad Alon (PhD, PT)
Associate Professor Emeritus, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Workshop description: The utilization of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) in clinical practice is limited, despite strong research-based data supporting its effectiveness. Limited utilization may be due in part to inadequate training in the latest “why, when and how” to incorporate NMES or FES to maximize the physical-functional recovery of patients of various ages and comorbid conditions.
This session will consolidate the latest research-based clinical findings into a practical intervention program that can be easily adopted and utilized by clinicians. The presentation will cover the patho-physiological changes of the musculo-skeletal and vascular systems that occur with aging and inactivity in common aging related conditions.
The main focus will be on impairments and locomotion deficits accompanying degenerative joint disease, orthopedic surgeries, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease. The presentation will provide an evidence-base guide to select the appropriate NMES or FES stimulation parameters, where and how to apply the stimulation electrodes, and how to incorporate the stimulation with specific exercise programs. Furthermore, the presentation will include a step-by-step guide to determine if the patient is a likely candidate to benefit from the FES training. The presentation will include multiple video clips of specific functional training programs and the latest finding from on-going research projects where the presenter is actively involved. Finally, a short presentation of the barriers to successful physical rehabilitation outcomes, and how to overcome these barriers will be offered and opened to discussion with the participants.
