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Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique by which electrical currents are applied to nerves supplying paralysed muscle through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin (transcutaneous). 

Photo: athlete Robin Gibbons demonstrates the use of the FES rowerThis current delivers the necessary stimulation to illicit a muscle contraction with the purpose of providing functionally useful movements which can aide in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. 

The SCITCS FES Exercise Clinic offers three forms of FES-assisted physical activity opportunities including

  1. FES muscle conditioning
  2. FES-assisted cycling
  3. FES-assisted rowing

FES exercise programs are available at The Steadward Centre at the University of Alberta and St. Joseph Satellite (muscle conditioning only).

 
Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday  0800 to 1200 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
1300 to 1900 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
 
Tuesday and Thursday
 		 1000 to 1500 (10 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.)
 

It can take approximately 3-6 months to get into our program, depending on waitlist numbers and funding acquisition.

Program Fees

 Six Month Membership
 Cost  # of days per week  Days
 $125

3

  Monday, Wednesday and Friday
 $100

2 

  Tueday and Thursday
   Monthly payment plan is available for both membership options

 

  • If you are interested in FES you will need a referral from your doctor for FES assessment.  Please download the FES information sheet (PDF) for this purpose. The form provides a description of the FES program and its benefits for your doctor as well as contact information for where they should send their letter of referral once completed.
     
  • All applicants must be referred by their physician.
  • You will also need to attend a consultation at The Steadward Centre with the FES consultant prior to acceptance into the FES program.
     

Contact Bethany Steen at 780-492-8339 for details about registration and physician referrals.

Dr. Dave Collins of the Human Neurophysiology Laboratory in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation is actively engaged in FES research in The Steadward Centre.