Task Specific Electric Stimulation for the Pelvis

Course overview

Task-Specific Electric Stimulation for the Pelvis is a Level 1 course that focuses on using functional electrical stimulation for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) levels I-V and other children with neuromotor and neuromuscular disorders. This course emphasizes stimulation of the pelvis musculature, including the hamstrings, adductors, and gluteus maximus, using the Continuum neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) unit. The first half of the day focuses on learning concepts of ES and how it affects children with CP, and teaches about the muscles affecting the pelvis in relation to sitting balance, head control, and trunk control. The SATCo is introduced as an evaluation tool and outcome measure for assessing trunk control. Some concepts related to more advanced applications of TASES for gait are also introduced. The labs in the second half of the day include practicing the use of TASES in various positions, such as sitting, standing, quadruped, half kneeling, tall kneeling, and gait with a switch. Students can immediately implement the techniques learned in clinical practice.