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

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.