Feasibility and Safety of Applying the Functional Electrical Stimulation to Child with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy: A Case Report

Aims: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and safety of short-term functional electrical stimulation (FES) training of the quadriceps femoris muscles in a child with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods: A 7-year-old child with FSHD received treatment due to a decrease in functional performance and difficulty climbing stairs. The child was followed up with a home-based exercise program. FES was applied twice a week during stair climbing for six weeks. Muscle activation of the quadriceps femoris was measured using superficial electromyography, muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer, and functional performance was assessed with the 6-Minute Walk and the Stair Climb Tests before and after the treatment period. Results: At the end of the treatment, there was an improvement in muscle activation. While muscle strength increased in the quadriceps femoris muscle of the non-dominant side, it remained constant on the dominant side. Functional performance test results also improved. Conclusions: FES was a feasible and safe tool to use in our case, a child with FSHD.