ADVANCES IN FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR LOWER LIMB REHABILITATION INSTROKE: A REVIEW ON PHYSIOLOGIC AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVE

Stroke results in considerable impairment of lower limb (LL) function. The objective of rehabilitation is to restore pre-stroke motor skills through the promotion of neuroplasticity. Existing literature indicates that mere movement of the impacted limb does not necessarily enhance motor performance instead, the movements should engage the patient and activate the entire neuromuscular network responsible for the intended motion. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) stands out among various rehabilitation strategies and is endorsed in numerous stroke rehabilitation protocols as an adjunctive therapy alongside standard care interventions. The aim of this research is to offer a thorough examination of the use and physiological rationale of FES in post-stroke rehabilitation. Many studies advocate for incorporating FES into a contemporary stroke rehabilitation regimen, complemented by activities such as cycling, treadmill exercises, and robotic interventions, to optimize recovery outcomes in poststroke rehabilitation.