Functional electrostimulation

It is used in central motoneuron disorders. The aim is to replace lost physiological functions through stimulation with electrical impulses. Irritation is most often performed monopolarly. Through stimulation of a specific nerve, the muscle is contracted for a specific function. It is applied by means of a ball electrode (cathode), which is placed in the area of the motor point of the muscle.

Muscle motor point
It is an anatomically defined site from which contraction can be induced with the least intensity of the irritating current. In most cases, it is located in the proximal third of the muscle. At the same time, it is usually the site of nerve entry with a high purchase of neuromuscular discs. In denervated muscle, the motor point moves distally. Usually to the area where the muscle runs close to the surface.

Parameters
To detect the motor point it is optimal to use rectangular pulses with a duration of 1-5 ms and a frequency of 0.3-015 Hz, 1 pulse every 3-6 seconds, the pulse width is 25-300 µs.

Indication
It is indicated in the treatment of patients with CNS damage (e.g.: to improve grip and gait phases). Specifically, it is used in patients with:


 * after a stroke;
 * with brain tumour;
 * with multiple sclerosis;
 * traumatic brain or spinal cord injury;
 * extrapyramidal disease.
 * Contraindicaton

It is contraindicated in patients with cognitive impairment, pacemaker s, epilepsy and limitation of passive range in joints (e.g. due to strong antagonist contractures).