Impact Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Quality Of Life In Older Adults

Abstract

Older adults often suffer from sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which negatively impacts physical function and quality of life (QoL). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is frequently used in physical rehabilitation as a muscle strengthening modality; however, little research exists on QoL outcomes in response to NMES. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine change in QoL and physical function in older adults after 4 weeks of NMES. METHODS: Eight older adults (68.9 ± 2.4 years) completed 12, 40-min NMES training sessions of the quadriceps muscles on each leg over 4 weeks with the stimulation frequency set at 60 Hz. During the treatment, subjects were seated on an isokinetic dynamometer with the leg positioned at a 60° angle. The subjects were given a pre and post survey assessing indicators of QoL: self-efficacy for physical function (0-100 scale), perceived competence in physical domains (e.g., strength, coordination, physical activity, 1-6 scale), physical self-concept (1-6 scale), and intention to be physically active (1-7 scale). Physical function of the lower body was assessed pre and post intervention with a timed up and go test (TUG). Paired sample t-tests were used to test for differences over time (pre, post) for TUG and QoL dimensions. Cohen’s d was calculated for effect size. RESULTS: The following QoL dimensions showed a statistically non-significant increase with small to large effect sizes: self-efficacy (97.80 ± 0.84 vs 98.97 ± 0.17, p = 0.17, d = 0.83), intention (5.91 ± 0.72 vs 6.59 ± 0.27, p = 0.38, d = 0.49), coordination (5.10 ± .0.20 vs 5.30 ± 0.20, p = 0.12, d = 0.36), and physical activity (3.84 ± 0.54 vs 4.22 ± 0.39, p = 0.20, d = 0.29), pre vs post, respectively. Physical self-concept showed no effect (4.58 ± 0.44 vs 4.67 ± 0.36, p = 0.74, d = 0.07), indicating this global dimension may take longer to change. There was a significant decrease in time to complete TUG (8.38 ± 0.60s vs 7.40 ± 0.45s, p = 0.02, d = 0.62). CONCLUSION: TUG times showed significant improvement and QoL dimensions trended toward improvement after 4 weeks of NMES. Enhanced physical function from NMES treatment may help improve overall QoL by increasing confidence and willingness to perform physical activities, potentially decreasing risk of sarcopenia.