Personal implications of functional electrical stimulation standing for older adolescents with spinal cord injuries

Issue title: Tech Act/Outcomes Measurement

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Brown, Denise L.^{; *}

Affiliations: The FES Imformation Center, Kent State University 335 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 216 2313257; fax: + 1 216 2313257; e-mail: dlb@po.cwru.edu.

Abstract: Functional Electrical Stimulation [FES]-augmented in-home standing is a life-changing and time consuming assistive technology with the significant potential for increasing the independence of persons with Spinal Cord Injury [SCI]. Although positive psychological benefits are often cited as expected outcomes, little is known of the psychologically related effects of participation in FES research applications. To investigate these variables, four older adolescents/young adults with SCI who used FES to stand in their home environments were recruited. This study explores the age specific constructs of self-image, the disability specific constructs of personal independence and handicap, and the person-specific construct of device match for these older adolescents. Results are described in light of disabled adolescents' needs, and future research areas are identified.

Keywords: Functional electrical stimulation [FES], Spinal cord injury [SCI], Older adolescence, Personal independence, Handicap, Self-image, Quality of life [QOL], Assistive technology match

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1996-53-411

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 5, no. 3-4, pp. 295-311, 1996