A series of new electronic stimulation products and treatments to help people with health conditions including were exhibited and discussed at a conference in Bath last week.
The International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) UK conference hosted academics, clinicians, industry figures and people with a range of disabilities and medical conditions looking to find out more about the burgeoning field of research.
Taking place on the University of Bath campus between 1 and 3 September, the event comprised one day of workshops and a two-day conference, where the latest developments in the field were shared.
The conference was chaired by the University’s Dr Ben Metcalfe and Dr Dingguo Zhang, alongside Professor Ian Swain (Bournemouth University) and Dr Tamsyn Street of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, which is home to the National FES Centre at Odstock Hospital.
Sponsors of the conference included Kurage and the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human, recently created to develop and deploy technology to enhance people’s physical and cognitive abilities.
Dr Ben Metcalfe, co-chair of the conference and Bath’s Head of Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, said: “We were delighted to host IFESS 2024 at Bath.
“IFESS not only showcases the latest innovations in neuromuscular stimulation but also inspires a collective commitment to improving rehabilitation outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals worldwide.
“Over 150 delegates attended the event, and we heard from leading innovators as well as inspirational speakers with a personal lived experience of disability.”
Workshops at the event focused on issues including the use of electrostimulation in rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions following amputations, the treatment of geriatric and home health patients, and how to equip clinicians to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
One of the event sponsors, BerkelBikeBV, demonstrated their recumbent bicycle, which uses electronic stimulation to activate and stimulate specific muscles allowing disabled people to cycle, work out and maintain and build their fitness.
Lectures and talks covered areas including the use of AI to help people regain their natural gait after a stroke and assisted cycling therapy for people with spinal cord injuries.
