Advancing forward: The role of functional electrical stimulation in enhancing lower limb function in children with cerebral palsy
Journal
Futurity Medicine
Date Issued
2025-06
Author(s)
Arsovski, Denis
Jovanovska T.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57125/FEM.2025.06.30.06
Abstract
Purpose: This systematic review explores the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation in
improving lower limb motor function, gait dynamics, and related physical outcomes in individuals
diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It addresses inconsistencies across intervention protocols while
identifying the clinical value of functional electrical stimulation in modern rehabilitation.
Methodology: An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of
Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for research papers published between 2005
and 2025. After screening 128 initial records, five studies met the inclusion criteria after screening
and full-text review. Included studies involved participants with cerebral palsy who received
lower limb functional electrical stimulation compared to conventional therapy or no intervention.
A qualitative synthesis was performed based on key outcome domains such as gait, muscle
strength, spasticity, and postural control.
Results: Functional electrical stimulation interventions were associated with improvements in
gait speed (12–20%), stride length (up to 15%), and gross motor function scores (by 8–10 points).
Protocols included 30–60 minute sessions, 3–5 times per week over 8–12 weeks. Outcomes varied
depending on the subtype of cerebral palsy, age, stimulation type, and adherence. Studies using
functional electrical stimulation during walking or cycling showed the highest gains in functional
mobility and satisfaction. However, limitations included small sample sizes, heterogeneity in
study design, and short follow-up durations.
Scientific novelty: This review synthesizes updated evidence regarding lower limb functional
electrical stimulation parameters and patient characteristics. It also discusses emerging trends in
individualized and home-based applications
Conclusion: Functional electrical stimulation presents valuable strategy for improving motor
performance in cerebral palsy, particularly for lower limb function. Future research should
prioritize protocol standardization, large-scale trials, and long-term effects to support clinical
integration of functional electrical stimulation into personalized rehabilitation plans.
improving lower limb motor function, gait dynamics, and related physical outcomes in individuals
diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It addresses inconsistencies across intervention protocols while
identifying the clinical value of functional electrical stimulation in modern rehabilitation.
Methodology: An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of
Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for research papers published between 2005
and 2025. After screening 128 initial records, five studies met the inclusion criteria after screening
and full-text review. Included studies involved participants with cerebral palsy who received
lower limb functional electrical stimulation compared to conventional therapy or no intervention.
A qualitative synthesis was performed based on key outcome domains such as gait, muscle
strength, spasticity, and postural control.
Results: Functional electrical stimulation interventions were associated with improvements in
gait speed (12–20%), stride length (up to 15%), and gross motor function scores (by 8–10 points).
Protocols included 30–60 minute sessions, 3–5 times per week over 8–12 weeks. Outcomes varied
depending on the subtype of cerebral palsy, age, stimulation type, and adherence. Studies using
functional electrical stimulation during walking or cycling showed the highest gains in functional
mobility and satisfaction. However, limitations included small sample sizes, heterogeneity in
study design, and short follow-up durations.
Scientific novelty: This review synthesizes updated evidence regarding lower limb functional
electrical stimulation parameters and patient characteristics. It also discusses emerging trends in
individualized and home-based applications
Conclusion: Functional electrical stimulation presents valuable strategy for improving motor
performance in cerebral palsy, particularly for lower limb function. Future research should
prioritize protocol standardization, large-scale trials, and long-term effects to support clinical
integration of functional electrical stimulation into personalized rehabilitation plans.
Subjects
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