Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)–Based Neuromodulation for Neurologic Recovery

We study the use of functional electrical stimulation to improve, treat, or reverse neurological symptoms. Functional electrical stimulation (FES), or neuromodulation, is the use of small, artificially generated low-level electrical pulses that are safely and selectively applied to the central or peripheral nervous system to replace the actions of neurons that have been damaged by injury or disease. When applied appropriately, FES can evoke desired actions by both activation and inactivation of various elements of the nervous system (e.g., peripheral nerves, spinal cord, brain) to restore or enhance function.