WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL ELECTRIC STIMULATION?

Functional electrical stimulation uses weak electrical impulses to generate body movements in people who have been paralyzed or have significant weakness due to brain injuries, stroke, or other damage to the central nervous system. FES can generate artificial contractions needed to produce functions such as grasping or walking.

FES technologies vary in cost and convenience. Over-the-counter products like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices (TENS) are inexpensive, but require knowledge of where to put the leads. Devices like Bioness L300, Walkaide, and UpperExtremity BioSleeve, offer the convenience of a wearable product that does not require the parent to have knowledge of lead placement, but are expensive for many families and are often not covered by insurance.

WILL IT WORK FOR MY CHILD?

Whether a child can tolerate the strength of the electric impulse necessary to generate artificial muscle movements is important to understand before purchasing any device. When purchasing an over-the-counter product, it’s equally important to know where the various leads must be placed on the body.

FES INSTRUCTION @ ROBOCAMP

This year, we have FOUR openings in our FES class at Robocamp. Your child DOES NOT have to be registered for Robocamp for you to attend. We will choose participants (one adult, one child) randomly via online list randomizer. Deadline to apply is July 15, 2018. Child must have had hemispherectomy surgery and is expected to attend class with you as this is a “hands on” training. Further details on class location will be provided to participants.

Please do not sign up for consideration if you may not be able to attend.

Apply Here

CLASS INFORMATION

Date:           August 10, 2018

Location:    Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Instructor:  Dr. Lucinda Baker, PhD, PT

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Housing, lodging, meals, and other related costs are entirely the responsibility of the participant.

Recommended hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton

Nearby airports:     LAX, Long Beach, Santa Ana

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE

8-8:15  AM                  Intro and overview of estim

8:15 to 8:45                GRP A: General application of UE stimulation (5 families); GRP B: General application of LE stimulation (5 families)

8:45 – 9:15                 GRP B: General application of UE stimulation (5 families); GRP A: General application of LE stimulation (5 families)

9:15 – 9:30                 Morning Break

9:30 – 11:00                UE Stations & LE Stations

11:00 – 12:00 PM        Bioness (L300) and WalkAide will arrive and families will be routed to them per Dr. Lucinda Baker’s discretion.

12:00 – 1:00                Lunch Break

1:00 – 3:00                  UE Stations & LE Stations

3:00 – 4:00                  Q & A