Implants Enable Disabled Freedom to Breathe, Stand on Their Own
from Akron Beacon Journal - March 9, 2001

Put simply, functional electrical stimulation uses an implanted stimulator to
emit a series of electrical impulses to electrodes implanted in the hand, leg
or diaphragm -- whatever part of the body is being targeted. These electrical
signals then move the paralyzed muscles. 

http://www.ohio.com/bj/news/docs/019436.htm