After FES treatment, which cortical change is reported?

• A. Ipsilateral somatosensory cortex intensity increased after treatment
• B. Contralateral motor cortex decreased
• C. No change in cortex
• D. Decreased activity in somatosensory cortex

Answer: (A)

Functional Electrical Stimulation promotes brain plasticity by providing rich sensory and motor input to the nervous system, which enhances activity in the brain areas connected to the stimulated limb. After FES treatment, the somatosensory cortex on the same side as the stimulation shows increased activity because the repeated sensory signals from the stimulated limb strengthen synaptic connections and cortical responsiveness in that hemisphere. This increased intensity reflects improved sensorimotor integration and reorganization that supports better motor function.

Options suggesting decreased activity in the somatosensory cortex, or changes limited to the contralateral motor cortex, don’t align with the typical pattern of sensory-driven plasticity produced by FES. And claiming no change would ignore the demonstrated cortical reorganization that accompanies functional gains.