Abstract
AbstractWe sought to establish the effects on cognitive performance and autonomic arousal of a multi-electrode transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulator compared with single-electrode stimulation. Progressing from a feasibility study (n = 10) to a repeated-measures, within-subject study (n = 67), healthy, right-handed participants (34 male, mean age 28 ± 11.5 yrs.) received four separate predictable (“lines” or “ring”) or unpredictable (“fly” or “random”) complex electrical stimulation patterns to the non-dominant forearm via 24 individually programmable electrodes, or single-electrode stimulation. During stimulation, participants in the main study performed a series of cognitively demanding tests or a two-point discrimination task and had their autonomic arousal (skin conductance response) monitored. Single-electrode “first felt” current intensity decreased from distal to proximal forearm, was positively correlated with forearm circumference and was lower in females. Single-electrode stimulation was a...
Highlights
Single-electrode transcutaneous electrical stimulation has therapeutic use in neuro-rehabilitation, including foot drop (Taylor et al, 1999), overactive bladder (de Sèze et al, 2011) and the return of forearm sensorimotor function following stroke (Dimitrijevic, 1996; Laufer & Elboim-Gabyzon, 2011)
We investigated the influence of gender and forearm circumference on when the stimulation current was “first-felt” and described as “strong, but comfortable”
Contrary to our main hypothesis, we were unable to demonstrate a single “best” complex TESS pattern which had the greatest impact on cognitively demanding task performance or autonomic arousal
Summary
Single-electrode transcutaneous electrical stimulation has therapeutic use in neuro-rehabilitation, including foot drop (Taylor et al, 1999), overactive bladder (de Sèze et al, 2011) and the return of forearm sensorimotor function following stroke (Dimitrijevic, 1996; Laufer & Elboim-Gabyzon, 2011). Electrical stimulation of the skin produces motor responses in underlying muscles (functional electrical stimulation; FES), or at lower levels, sensation via stimulation of cutaneous nerves (transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation (TESS)). In a study of stroke rehabilitation therapy (Sullivan & Hedman, 2004), where the goal was return of forearm function, single-electrode FES (i.e. motor stimulation) was reported to be more effective than single-electrode TESS (i.e. sensory stimulation). We reasoned that TESS capable of producing “interesting”, “attention grabbing”, “distracting” or “salient” sensations, via multiple electrodes may be as effective as, and more patient-acceptable than, single-electrode FES
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
