Testing if the nerves are intact

When there is doubt about the suitability of a person with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), can this be tested with physiotherapy equipment. The muscles that have to be tested are the hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteus maximus.

The electrical stimulation device should be used with the following adjustments: - Bi-phase block pulse
                                  - Pulse duration 0.3 ms per phase
                                  - 150 V
                                  - max 145 mA
                                  - 33 Hz

The client should be able to easily tolerate at least 50 mA. However this has not to apply to all muscles. The Impuls device can be regulated for each muscle separately. Some kind of contraction should be noticeable or there must have been spasm, presently or in the past. Persons without a flaccid paralysis (Cauda equina syndrome), but with very little spasm, react very weak on the stimulation the first time. But this improves by training with the Impuls.

If there is any doubt about the suitability, we advice you to contact BerkelBike BV directly. If, after consultation, it is still not clear, a test will be arranged at one of the test locations.