Functional Electrical Stimulation is applied on a muscle or a group of muscles during a functional activity. In this video, an 18 month old girl with a diagnosis of spina bifida is transitioning from sitting to standing. She has electrical stimulation on her adductors and quadriceps. Since she has weak adductors, the e-stim helps her knees to be aligned with her hips and ankles. When stimulating the quadriceps, she is able to extend her knees and maintain a stable standing position. Applying e-stim during a functional activity that the child is motivated to do, enhances the muscle activation that the therapist or parent is trying to achieve.

The functional electrical stimulation has many ways to be used, and depends on the goals that you and your therapist have for your child.

**This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.