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Postgraduate Diploma in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) provides specialised training in the use of electrical stimulation for the rehabilitation and improvement of motor function in patients with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. This Postgraduate Diploma focuses on the application of controlled electrical currents to activate specific muscles, facilitating movement and promoting functional recovery. It includes knowledge of neurophysiology, design of stimulation programmes, and the selection of equipment and parameters appropriate for each clinical case. It focuses on clinical practice and research in the field of rehabilitation, with an emphasis on improving patients' quality of life.

The programme includes practical training in the use of different FES devices, as well as the assessment and monitoring of patients. Topics covered include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other conditions that may benefit from FES. Participants will learn to integrate FES into comprehensive rehabilitation programmes, using gait analysis and biomechanics tools to optimise outcomes. This training prepares participants for professional roles in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation medicine, improving care for patients with motor disabilities.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the neuromuscular physiology relevant to electrical stimulation.

02

Select safe and effective stimulation parameters.

03

Design electrodes and controlled current output stages.

04

Implement open-loop and closed-loop control strategies.

05

Apply FES to gait and standing.

06

Develop FES applications for the upper limb.

07

Plan the clinical evaluation and regulatory compliance of the system.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Neurostimulation engineer who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Rehabilitation engineer who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Biomedical hardware engineer who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Neuroprosthetics researcher who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Biomedical control engineer who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Clinical specialist in rehabilitation technologies who wishes to specialise in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter hospitals and rehabilitation services.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 60601-2-10 (nerve and muscle stimulators)
  • IEC 60601-1 (safety of medical electrical equipment)
  • ISO 14971 (risk management)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR)
  • IEC 60601-1-2 (electromagnetic compatibility)
  • IEC 62304 (medical device software)
  • ISO 14708-3 (neurostimulator implants)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Action potential and nerve excitability
  2. 1.2Motor unit and recruitment
  3. 1.3Muscle fibres and types of contraction
  4. 1.4Upper and lower motor neurones
  5. 1.5Spinal cord injury: levels and the ASIA scale
  6. 1.6Stroke and motor control
  7. 1.7Denervated versus intact peripheral nerve
  8. 1.8Stimulation-induced muscle fatigue
  9. 1.9Neural plasticity and rehabilitation
  10. 1.10Case study: selecting candidates for FES
  1. 2.1Electrode–tissue interface
  2. 2.2Amplitude, pulse width and frequency
  3. 2.3Monophasic and biphasic pulses
  4. 2.4Intensity–duration curve
  5. 2.5Non-physiological recruitment order
  6. 2.6Charge density and safety limits
  7. 2.7Current-controlled versus voltage-controlled stimulation
  8. 2.8NMES, TENS and FES: differences
  9. 2.9Models of muscle response
  10. 2.10Laboratory: recruitment curve with a stimulator
  1. 3.1Surface electrodes: hydrogel and textiles
  2. 3.2Implantable and percutaneous electrodes
  3. 3.3Multi-field electrodes and selectivity
  4. 3.4Architecture of a stimulator
  5. 3.5Output stages and current sources
  6. 3.6Isolation and electrical safety
  7. 3.7Power supply and battery management
  8. 3.8Wireless stimulation
  9. 3.9Standard IEC 60601-2-10
  10. 3.10Practical: waveform analysis with an oscilloscope
  1. 4.1Open-loop control and sequences
  2. 4.2Closed-loop control with sensors
  3. 4.3Inertial and force sensors
  4. 4.4Control via voluntary EMG
  5. 4.5PID and adaptive control
  6. 4.6Musculoskeletal models for control
  7. 4.7Gait phase detection
  8. 4.8Brain–computer interfaces and FES
  9. 4.9Fatigue compensation
  10. 4.10Laboratory: closed-loop control of wrist flexion
  1. 5.1Foot drop and peroneal nerve stimulation
  2. 5.2FES-assisted gait
  3. 5.3FES cycling in spinal cord injury
  4. 5.4Standing and transfers
  5. 5.5FES rowing
  6. 5.6Hybrid systems with exoskeletons
  7. 5.7Cardiovascular effects and pressure ulcer prevention
  8. 5.8Commercial devices for foot drop
  9. 5.9Evidence in stroke and multiple sclerosis
  10. 5.10Case study: FES cycling programme
  1. 6.1Grasp and reach in tetraplegia
  2. 6.2Hand neuroprostheses
  3. 6.3FES in stroke rehabilitation
  4. 6.4Diaphragm stimulation
  5. 6.5Bladder control and sacral stimulation
  6. 6.6Dysphagia and pharyngeal stimulation
  7. 6.7Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
  8. 6.8Controlled contralateral stimulation
  9. 6.9Integration with rehabilitation robotics
  10. 6.10Workshop: designing a grasp protocol with FES
  1. 7.1Outcome measures: Fugl-Meyer and gait speed
  2. 7.2Designing clinical trials with FES
  3. 7.3Safety: burns, autonomic dysreflexia and contraindications
  4. 7.4Classification and CE marking of the stimulator
  5. 7.5ISO 14971 applied to stimulators
  6. 7.6Usability in home use
  7. 7.7Patient adherence
  8. 7.8Clinical practice guidelines
  9. 7.9Cost-effectiveness
  10. 7.10Practical: critical appraisal of a published trial
  1. 8.1Definition of the clinical application
  2. 8.2System requirements
  3. 8.3Selection of electrodes and parameters
  4. 8.4Control strategy
  5. 8.5Prototype or simulation
  6. 8.6Clinical evaluation plan
  7. 8.7Risk analysis
  8. 8.8Regulatory plan
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, OpenSim, LabVIEW, Python (SciPy), COMSOL Multiphysics, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real test-bench procedures for measuring stimulation pulses, FES-assisted sessions on a cycle ergometer, and gait analysis with stimulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with ciber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Definition of the clinical application

Explain the neuromuscular physiology relevant to electrical stimulation.

System requirements

Select safe and effective stimulation parameters.

Selection of electrodes and parameters

Design electrodes and controlled current output stages.

Control strategy

Implement open-loop and closed-loop control strategies.

Prototype or simulation

Apply FES to gait and standing.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Neurostimulation engineerRehabilitation engineerBiomedical hardware engineerNeuroprosthetics researcherBiomedical control engineerClinical specialist in rehabilitation technologies
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.

The programme works with MATLAB/Simulink, OpenSim, LabVIEW, Python (SciPy), COMSOL Multiphysics. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please consult the recognition policy when enrolling.

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