Functional Electrical Stimulation in Neurorehabilitation: Synergy Effects of Technology and Therapy

This book explains to physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interested physicians and clinicians the theoretical and practical applications of single- to multi-channel functional electrical stimulation for a wide range of neurological symptoms. The targeted electrical stimulation of several muscle groups, timed to each other, can initiate and support a complete movement sequence and thus improve motor learning. Renowned experts from research and practice have compiled numerous application examples based on the available evidence in this comprehensive form for the first time. In addition, the reader will find exciting and informative contributions to the current study situation and effectiveness analyses. The text is enriched by videos on EMG-triggered functional multichannel electrical stimulation, stimulation of muscle groups in lower motor neuron lesions, and FES therapy approaches for dysarthria and swallowing disorders. From the contents: - FES in lesions of the upper motoneuron, lesion of the lower motoneuron and mixed forms - Combination of FES with mirror therapy and botulinum toxin - Motor learning, neuroplasticity, ICF-based goal setting and the use in home-based therapy - Basic principles, current parameters and their implications - FES in rehabilitation of facial paralysis, unilateral vocal fold paralysis, dysarthria and dysphagia, and neuro-urological deficits

About the Author

Thomas Schick, MSc.  Since 1993 he has extensive experience as a physiotherapist and led several rehabilitation teams at German clinics for neurorehabilitation. For more than 25 years, he has been a lecturer for various rehabilitation procedures in the field of neurology. He regularly teaches in the master's programs in neurorehabilitation and occupational therapy at Danube University in Krems, Austria. In addition, he regularly offers continuing education courses at universities of applied sciences, clinics or continuing education institutes and publishes several scientific articles. After graduating with a Master of Science degree in Neurorehabilitation in 2015, he joined MED-EL, a global medical electronic implant company based in Innsbruck, Austria. In the field of surface stimulation, he manages the neurorehabilitation business unit and is also responsible for the development of medical devices from a medical-therapeutic point of view, the organization of training programs, lectures and scientific papers on the topic of FES.