In this episode of "Ask the Expert," Dr. Matthew Bellman joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA to explain the basics of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and its applications. Dr. Bellman outlined how FES differs from other electrical stimulation techniques and its role in improving mobility for those with neuroimmune disorders [00:03:35]. He discussed the specific benefits of FES, including muscle strengthening and managing spasticity, and shared success stories demonstrating its impact [00:09:53]. Dr. Bellman also highlighted new developments in FES technology, particularly the integration of AI [00:33:28].

Matthew Bellman, PhD is a Founder and the Chief Technology Officer for MYOLYN, Inc. Dr. Bellman is a Triple-Gator with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida (UF). In 2013, Dr. Bellman co-founded MYOLYN to commercialize his doctoral research on mobility assistance for people with paralysis and muscle weakness using functional electrical stimulation (FES) and robotics. In his time at MYOLYN, Dr. Bellman has been responsible for building a certified medical device quality management system, managing a team of engineers in the design and development of two Class II medical devices, obtaining grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and growing a small business.

Dr. Bellman has been awarded the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by UF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the O. Hugo Schuck Best Paper Award by the American Automation Control Council, and the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award by the UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. In 2019, Dr. Bellman secured MYOLYN’s place as a finalist in the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge. In addition to his role at MYOLYN, Dr. Bellman has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for NextStep Orlando’s Paralysis Recovery Center and as a member of the Advisory Council for the American Bionics Project. Dr. Bellman’s work has been published in high-impact scientific journals including Muscle & Nerve, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, and The Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, and he has been an invited guest speaker at universities around the world including UF, École Normale Supérieure (ENS) de Lyon, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology. When not at work, Dr. Bellman can be found trail running or relaxing at home with his wife and family.

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Meet Dr. Matthew Bellman

00:52 Understanding Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

01:30 Historical Context and Early Applications of FES

03:35 How FES Works in the Body

07:05 FES for Spinal Cord Damage and Neuromuscular Disorders

09:53 Benefits of FES for Various Symptoms

13:44 Evidence and Secondary Benefits of FES

17:47 Typical FES Session and Accessibility

24:06 Success Stories and Patient Feedback

29:25 Barriers to FES Adoption

33:28 Future Developments in FES Technology

36:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement