Clinical Applications of Electrical Stimulation for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury‪.‬

ABSTRACT Electrical stimulation (ES) has been used to restore musculoskeletal, sensory and anatomical functions following spinal cord injury (SCI). The reported benefits of ES in SCI rehabilitation include assisting respiration, improving muscle strength and endurance, improving cardiovascular fitness, increasing lower limb circulation, improving bowel and bladder function, assisting in wound management, and preventing osteoporosis. However due to divisive reports on its effectiveness, ES is often overshadowed by skepticism and clinicians usually choose alternative treatments that are simpler and less expensive. Therefore, ES treatment outcomes and applications need to be more evident for the healthcare payers, providers, and clients to make informed decision when utilizing ES in rehabilitation of SCI patients.