Use of electrical stimulation in external control of motor activity and movements of human extremities. Actual situation and problems.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used in control of motor activity and movements in patients suffering movement handicaps due to central nervous system damage. The method is analyzed from the viewpoint of physical medicine, biocybernetics and technological development. Systems developed to date are presented and a critical survey of the method in light of indications is provided. Special attention is devoted to the present applicability of the systems of FES and to their potential use.