Perceptions of Occupational Therapy Students Regarding Functional Electrical Stimulation Technology

Research Objectives: To examine occupational therapy (OT) students' knowledge and perceptions of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycle technology.

Design: This mixed methods survey explored OT students' experiences with FES cycle technology. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were hand-coded and themes were identified. The survey consisted of 18 quantitative questions using descriptive and ordinal data and 3 qualitative questions with open-ended responses.

Setting: The participants were recruited via virtual forums in fall 2021.

Participants: Twenty participants met inclusion criteria. Ten participants were familiar with FES cycle technology and completed the survey.

Interventions: No interventions.

Main Outcome Measures: Analyze OT students' knowledge and perceptions of FES cycle technology.
Identify areas of limited exposure to and knowledge of FES cycle technology in OT students in the US.

Results: Of the 20 participants, 50% were unfamiliar and 50% familiar (n=20). Of the 10 participants who were familiar with FES cycle technology, 60% (n=10) of participants reported FES education was implemented in their curriculum. Additionally, 70% (n=10) of participants reported hands-on interaction with an FES cycle. When asked what types of experiences they had, participants reported the following experiences: 60% PowerPoint presentation, 70% hands-on experience, 60% lecture, 10% no experience, and 20% other (n=10). Ten percent of participants reported they were extremely comfortable and 60% somewhat comfortable using FES cycle technology (n=10).

Conclusions: Results of the survey indicate a lack of awareness regarding FES cycle technology in participants. Half of the participants were not familiar with FES cycle technology. Of familiar participants, only one felt extremely comfortable and six felt somewhat comfortable with the technology. Of clinical relevance, 70% (n=10) of the participants who were familiar with FES technology also reported hands on experience with an FES cycle. This study demonstrates a lack of US OT student knowledge of and exposure to FES cycle technology despite its proven effectiveness. Lack of OT student training may have a negative impact on clients' ability to access this technology.

Author(s) Disclosures: No financial disclosures to report.