Which of the following is NOT a carryover effect of FES?

• A. Improves connective tissue stretch
• B. Improves bone density
• C. Possibly cortical reorganization
• D. Improves the fitness & strength of remaining units

Answer: (B)

Carryover effects are improvements that persist after the FES session ends, driven by neural and soft-tissue adaptations rather than immediate, ongoing stimulation. Repeated FES-induced contractions can lead to lasting changes in how the body moves and handles load.

Improvements in connective tissue stretch come from repeated cycles of movement and stretch, which can increase tissue extensibility and reduce stiffness. These changes can persist for a while after training, helping with range of motion.

Cortical reorganization refers to neuroplastic changes in the brain’s motor areas as the nervous system adapts to the patterns of activation produced by FES. When these changes occur, improved motor control and recruitment strategies can remain even once stimulation stops.

Enhancing the fitness and strength of remaining motor units happens as the intact muscles become better recruited and coordinated through the training stimulus. Those neuromuscular gains can carry over beyond the training period.

Bone density, however, relies on longer-term, sustained mechanical loading and weight-bearing stimuli. While FES can contribute to bone loading during active training, changes in bone mineral density are not typically seen as a lasting carryover after the stimulation ends.