Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Research Articles

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation for gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility is categorized by muscle or nerve dysfunctions in any portion of the GI tract, which leads to abnormalities in GI motor and sensory function. Symptoms may vary depending on the organ affected and can be debilitating. Treatment usually involves diet and lifestyle changes. Pharmacotherapy is limited in effectiveness with various side effects. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES), a noninvasive, needleless technique that provides electrical stimulation using cutaneous non-needle electrodes, has become increasingly popular. It has been shown to be beneficial in treating GI motility disorders. This review paper navigates through the different TES techniques, including transcutaneous peripheral nerve (vagal/sacral/tibial nerves) electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (stimulation via acupuncture point), transcutaneous interferential current therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. As we delve deeper, we explore the promising effects of TES on dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, postoperative ileus, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. The literature at hand speaks volumes about the therapeutic prowess of this noninvasive technique. The time is ripe to evaluate further the full therapeutic potential of TES, a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical, nonsurgical, and home-based self-administrative technique in managing GI motility disorders.

Acute transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) augments esophageal contractility in patients with weak peristalsis.

Lung transplantation (LTx) remains controversial in patients with absent peristalsis (AP) given the increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Furthermore, specific treatments to facilitate LTx in those with AP have not been widely described. Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES) has been reported to improve foregut contractility in LTx patients and therefore we hypothesize that TES may augment the esophageal motility of patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). We included 49 patients, 14 with IEM, 5 with AP, and 30 with normal motility. All subjects underwent standard high-resolution manometry and intraluminal impedance (HRIM) with additional swallows as TES was delivered. TES induced a universal impedance change observable in real-time by a characteristic spike activity. TES significantly augmented the contractile vigor of the esophagus measured by the distal contractile integral (DCI) in patients with IEM [median DCI (IQR) 0 (238) mmHg-cm-s off TES vs. 333 (858) mmHg-cm-s on TES; p=.01] and normal peristalsis [median DCI (IQR) 1545 (1840) mmHg-cm-s off TES vs. 2109 (2082) mmHg-cm-s on TES; p=.01]. Interestingly, TES induced measurable contractile activity (DCI>100mmHg-cm-s)in three out of five patients with AP [median DCI (IQR) 0 (0) mmHg-cm-s off TES vs. 0 (182) mmHg-cm-s on TES; p<.001]. TES acutely augmented contractile vigor in patients with normal and weak/ AP. The use of TES may positively impact LTx candidacy, and outcomes for patients with IEM/AP. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of TES in this patient population.

The effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the submental area on the cardiorespiratory response in normal and awake subjects.

Background: Electrical stimulation has recently been introduced to treat patients with Obstructive sleep apnoea There are, however, few data on the effects of transcutaneous submental electrical stimulation (TES) on the cardiovascular system. We studied the effect of TES on cardiorespiratory variables in healthy volunteers during head-down-tilt (HDT) induced baroreceptor loading. Method: Cardiorespiratory parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, tidal volume, airflow/minute ventilation, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO2/O2 concentration) were recorded seated, supine, and during head-down-tilt (50) under normoxic, hypercapnic (FiCO2 5%) and poikilocapnic hypoxic (FiO2 12%) conditions. Blood pressure (BP) was measured non-invasively and continuously (Finapres). Gas conditions were applied in random order. All participants were studied twice on different days, once without and once with TES. Results: We studied 13 healthy subjects (age 29 (12) years, six female, body mass index (BMI) 23.23 (1.6) kg·m-2). A three-way ANOVA indicated that BP decreased significantly with TES (systolic: p = 4.93E-06, diastolic: p = 3.48E-09, mean: p = 3.88E-08). Change in gas condition (systolic: p = 0.0402, diastolic: p = 0.0033, mean: p = 0.0034) and different postures (systolic: 8.49E-08, diastolic: p = 6.91E-04, mean: p = 5.47E-05) similarly impacted on BP control. When tested for interaction, there were no significant associations between the three different factors electrical stimulation, gas condition, or posture, except for an effect on minute ventilation (gas condition/posture p = 0.0369). Conclusion: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has a substantial impact on the blood pressure. Similarly, postural changes and variations in inspired gas impact on blood pressure control. Finally, there was an interaction between posture and inspired gases that affects minute ventilation. These observations have implications on our understanding of integrated cardiorespiratory control, and may prove beneficial for patients with SDB who are assessed for treatment with electrical stimulation.

Comparison of the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation and interference current in patients with gonarthrosis

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) and interference current (IFC) modalities on pain, function and quality of life in the treatment of patients with gonarthrosis. Material and Method: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of TENS and IFC modalities on pain, function and quality of life in the treatment of patients with gonarthrosis and to compare them in terms of their superiority. Results: 80 patients were included in the study. In the TENS and IFC groups, the degree of active-passive knee flexion and extension increased significantly on the 15th day of treatment (T15th day) and at the 3rd month after treatment (AT 3rd month), while it was at a similar level between the 15th day and the 3rd month of treatment. In the comparison of the 15th day of the treatment and the 3rd month after the treatment, the increase in the active-passive flexion and extension measurements in the IFC group was found to be statistically significant (flexion T15th day p=0.007 AT 3rd month p=0.000, extansion T15th day p=0.004 AT 3rd month p=0.031). The decrease in WOMAC total value at the 15th day of the treatment and at the 3rd month after the treatment was found to be significantly decreased in the IFC group (T15th day p=0.013, AT 3rd month p=0.000). Conclusion: IFC both increased the range of motion of the knee joint in patients with gonarthrosis and contributed to the functional recovery in knee osteoarthritis.

Corneal Neuro-Regenerative Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Rabbit Lamellar Keratectomy Model.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) on corneal nerve regeneration in rabbits injured from superficial lamellar keratectomy (SLK).MethodsNew Zealand White rabbits were used in this experimental study. To induce corneal nerve damage, SLK was performed using a 7.0-mm trephine. TES was applied for 28 days after the corneal nerve injury. Corneal sensitivity, Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunofluorescence were performed to observe changes in the corneal tissue.ResultsIn the 2-Hz and 20-Hz electrical stimulation groups, the degree of corneal wound healing increased by more than 10% compared to the control group, but no significant difference was observed. Conversely, the electrical stimulation (2-Hz or 20-Hz) group showed significantly increased corneal sensitivity compared to the control group. Western blot analysis revealed that small proline-rich protein 1A (SPRR1a), a regeneration-associated protein was significantly increased in the 2-Hz group on days 1 and 7 compared to that in the other groups. Once again, nerve regeneration in the 2-Hz group was supported by the results of PCR, in which a significant increase in the nerve growth factor (NGF) on day 1 was observed compared with the other groups. Moreover, immunofluorescence after 28 days of electrical stimulation showed significant nerve regeneration in the 2-Hz group.ConclusionsTES promoted corneal nerve regeneration in rabbit SLK model. The application of electrical stimulation of 2-Hz frequency was more effective than the 20-Hz frequency, showing potential clinical applications for corneal diseases.Translational RelevanceThis study shows how application of TES to the eyes that exhibit corneal nerve damage can improve corneal nerve regeneration examined by histologic analysis.

The efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A double blinded randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThere are 9.9 million new cases of dementia in the world every year. Short-term conversion rate from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia is between 20% and 40%, but long-term in 5–10 years ranges from 60% to 100%. It is particularly important to prevent or prolong the development of MCI into dementia. Both auriculotherapy and vagus nerve stimulation are effective on improving cognitive functions. However, there is no double blinded randomized clinical trial to support the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of auricular acupoints in patients with MCI. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial involved patients with MCI, aged from 55 to 75 years old. Patients were randomly allocated to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) group or sham taVNS group. In the taVNS group, two auricular acupoints were stimulated, including heart (concha, CO15) and kidney (CO10), which are in the distribution of vagus nerve. While in the sham taVNS group, two other auricular acupoints were stimulated, including elbow (scaphoid fossa, SF3) and shoulder (SF4,5), which are out of the distribution of vagus nerve. The primary outcome was the Montreal cognitive assessment-basic, MOCA-B. The secondary outcomes included auditory verbal learning test-HuaShan version (AVLT-H), shape trails test A&B (STT-A&B), animal fluence test (AFT), Boston naming test (BNT), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire (RBDSQ), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and functional activities questionnaire (FAQ). These outcome measures were taken at baseline, 24 weeks later. ResultsAfter 24 weeks of intervention, the data of 52 patients were intended for analysis. After intervention, there was significant difference in the overall scores of MoCA-B between taVNS group and sham taVNS group (p = 0.033 < 0.05). In taVNS group, compared with before intervention, the overall scores of MOCA-B increased significantly after intervention (p < 0.001). As for N5 and N7, the two sub-indicators of AVLT-H, in taVNS group, compared with before intervention, both N5 and N7 increased significantly after intervention (both ps < 0.001). As for STTB, in taVNS group, compared with before intervention, STTB was significantly reduced after intervention (p = 0.016). For BNT, in taVNS group, compared with before intervention, BNT increased significantly after intervention (p < 0.001). In taVNS group, compared with before intervention, PSQI, RBDSQ, ESS and FAQ decreased significantly after intervention (p = 0.002, 0.025, <0.001, 0.006 respectively). 1 patient with a history of tympanic membrane perforation in taVNS group was reported with mild adverse reactions which disappeared a week after termination of taVNS. The intervention of taVNS is effective on increasing the overall scores of MoCA-B, N5 and N7. ConclusionThe clinical trial demonstrated that taVNS can improve cognitive performance in patients with MCI. This inexpensive, effective and innovative method can be recommended as a therapy for more patients with MCI in the prevention or prolonging of its development into dementia, but it is still required to be further investigated. Trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn. (ID: ChiCTR2000038868)

Diminishing accelerated long-term forgetting in mild cognitive impairment: Study protocol for a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHarnessing the lifelong potential of the human brain for neuroplasticity may serve to maintain the viability of neural structures and postpone the onset of cognitive decline. The absence of effective pharmacological interventions to counter memory decline has encouraged scientists to test the possibility that noninvasive electrical stimulation may serve as an additional tool to improve memory abilities.Previous research showed that electrical stimulation of the greater occipital nerve enhances memory recall performance in young and older healthy subjects. This study aims to extend these findings to determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the greater occipital nerve on the improvement of episodic memory in individuals with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). Methods/designThis study is a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized parallel-group study. A total of 100 individuals with a diagnosis of aMCI according to NIA/AA will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group will receive active non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of greater occipital nerve (NITESGON), while three groups will serve as controls (i.e., sham NITESGON, active NITESGON with local anesthesia, and active NITESGON on the C5/C6 nerve). The primary outcome, i.e., memory recall, will be determined by a word association task, and will be recorded at baseline, 7 days after NITESGON, and 28 days after NITESGON. The secondary outcome is neurophysiological changes determined by resting state EEG and will be assessed immediately before and after NITESGON. DiscussionThe results will add new insights into improving episodic memory in individuals with aMCI. Trial registration#NCT05289804 (clinicaltrial.gov) Protocol approval id#SPREC102021-23 (Ethics Committee at Trinity College Dublin, School of Psychology)

Effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the device “VEB” ® on the human body

Background. In 2015, a generator for electrotherapy and stimulation oh human nerve centers was created, called “VEB-1”®. Preliminary observation of volunteers revealed a modulating effect of a four-day course of electrical stimulation on the parameters of electroencephalogram, metabolism, as well as gas-discharge visualization (GDV). In this message, we present the results of the approbation of the device on an expanded contingent of volunteers with the use of additional research methods and a new modification of the device. Material and research methods. The object of observation were employees of the sanatorium “Moldova”, patients with chronic cholecystitis: 19 women 30-62 y and 19 men 25-63 y. In the morning registered HRV (“CardioLab+HRV”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), kirlianogram by the method of GDV (“GDV Chamber”, “Biotechprogress”, SPb, RF), electroconductivity of skin in three pairs of points of acupuncture (“Medissa”), electrokinetic index of buccal epithelium ("Biotest", Kharkiv State University), as well as some endocrine, immune and metabolic parameters. After the initial testing, an transcutaneous electrical stimulation session was performed with a “VEB-1”® or a “VEB-2” devices. The next morning after completing the four-day course, retesting was performed. Results. Electrical stimulation causes a sympathotonic shift in the sympatho-vagal balance and an increase in PSD of delta-rhythm generating neurons combined with a decrease in PSD of beta- and theta-rhythm generating neurons. This is accompanied by increase in phagocytosis and favorable changes in immune, biochemical and biophysical parameters as well as increase in testosterone level in men only. The integral effects on the constellation of registered body parameters of both device modifications do not differ significantly. Conclusion. The "VEB" device exerts an adaptogenic effect on the body through transcutaneous electrical stimulation of neurons.

Transcutaneous pudendal nerve stimulation for refractory urinary incontinence: A viable option?

AbstractAccording to international recommendations pelvic floor exercises represent the first conservative intervention to be offered to patients with non‐neurogenic urinary incontinence. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve using sticking electrodes has not been extensively studied so far and is not mentioned in the European guidelines. Physiology suggests that it might be a viable option to treat incontinence refractory to pelvic floor exercises. To investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve in a sample of patients of both genders with urinary incontinence refractory to pelvic muscle exercises. Prospective pilot study on a convenience sample, assessed with 24 h pad‐test. Twenty‐four patients (18 male, six female) were enrolled. Pre‐treatment urinary leakages with sacral root stimulation were Me = 230 g, IQR [90;305], range 50–500. Post‐treatment urinary leakages had a median of 55 g, IQR [10;137], range 0–400 (p &lt; 0.0001). Transcutaneous pudendal nerve stimulation is an effective, non‐invasive treatment that deserves studies on larger samples.

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Chronic Poststroke Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: 1-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Chronic poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia (CPSOD) is associated with impaired oropharyngeal sensory/motor function. We aimed to assess effect of sensory (SES) and motor (NMES) transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) on safety of swallow and clinical outcomes in patients with CPSOD in a one-year follow-up randomized controlled trial. Methods. Ninety patients (74.1 ± 11.5 y, modified Rankin score 2.6 ± 1.7) with CPSOD and impaired safety of swallow were randomized to (a) compensatory treatment (CT), (b) CT + SES, and (c) CT + NMES. Patients were treated with up to two cycles (6 months apart) of 15 × 1 hour TES sessions over two weeks and followed up with 4-5 clinical and videofluoroscopic assessments during one year. Key results. Baseline penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) was 4.61 ± 1.75, delayed time to laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) 396.4 ± 108.7 ms, and impaired efficacy signs 94.25%. Swallowing parameters significantly improved between baseline and 1-year follow-up in SES and NMES groups for prevalence of patients with a safe swallow (P < .001), mean PAS (P < .001), time to LVC (P < .01), and need for thickening agents (P < .001). Patients in the CT presented a less intense improvement of signs of impaired safety of swallow without significant changes in time to LVC. No differences between groups were observed for 1-year mortality (6.1%), respiratory infections (9.6%), nutritional and functional status, QoL, and hospital readmission rates (27.6%). No significant adverse events related to TES were observed. Conclusions and inferences. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is a safe and effective therapy for older patients with CPSOD. After 1-year follow-up, TES greatly improved the safety of swallow and reduced the need for fluid thickening in these patients.

Effects of Varying Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Pulse Duration on Swallowing Kinematics in Healthy Adults.

Prior research in swallowing physiology has suggested that using submental transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) with short pulse duration (PD) (300μs) may enhance the impact on deep extrinsic tongue muscles, thereby pulling the tongue down during swallowing. However, it was unclear whether that same TES protocol could have a differential impact on hyolaryngeal kinematics and timing. This study aimed to compare the effect of submental TES with varying PDs on anterior and superior hyolaryngeal kinematics and timing both at rest and during swallowing in healthy adults. Twenty-four healthy adults between the ages of 22 and 77 participated in this study. Anterior and superior hyolaryngeal excursion magnitude and duration measures were collected using videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Each subject swallowed three 10ml pudding trials under three conditions: no TES, TES with short PD (300μs), and TES with long PD (700μs). TES was delivered using two-channel surface electrodes in the submental area. In both short and long PD conditions, TES amplitude was gradually increased until participants reached their maximum tolerance level. Videofluoroscopic data were analyzed using VideoPad Video Editor and Image J programs. One-way repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted to identify within-subject effect of TES condition. For hyoid movement, TES with short PD selectively placed the hyoid bone on a more anterior position at rest and reduced anterior hyoid excursion during swallowing compared with the no TES condition. Regarding laryngeal movement, both TES protocols resulted in the larynx taking on a more anterior position at rest and reduced anterior laryngeal excursions during swallowing when compared with the no TES condition. Varying PDs had no significant effect on the superior hyoid and laryngeal movements at rest and during swallowing. Both TES protocols induced shorter hyoid elevation duration during swallowing Findings suggest that though both TES protocols demonstrated a comparable impact on reducing anterior laryngeal excursions, the TES protocol with short PD had an enhanced effect on reducing anterior hyoid excursion during swallowing. This reduced range of motion may result from stimulating the deep submental muscles, which primarily place the hyoid and larynx into a more forward position before swallowing onset. Overall, the TES protocol with short PD may have an increased benefit in facilitating swallowing in patients with dysphagia.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation combined with artificial tears for the treatment of dry eye: A randomized controlled trial.

There is currently no available cure or universally effective treatment for dry eye (DE). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) combined with artificial tears in treating DE. Patients diagnosed with DE were referred for therapy with TES combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH)-containing artificial tears. A total of 52 patients (104 eyes) with DE were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomized 1:1 to the TES + SH or SH group. The patients in the TES + SH group were treated with 20 sessions (5 sessions per week for 4 weeks), and each session lasted for 20 min. The treatment was continued for 4 weeks in all cases. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (BUT), Schirmer's I test and corneal fluorescein scores were used to assess treatment efficacy. A total of 90 eyes of 45 patients completed all aspects of the study: 22 patients (44 eyes) in the TES + SH group and 23 patients (46 eyes) in the SH group. There was no statistically significant difference in sex, age or course between the two groups. The mean OSDI scores, BUT, Schirmer's I test and corneal fluorescein scores exhibited a significant improvement in the TES + SH group compared with the SH group after treatment. No serious adverse events were recorded during TES treatment. In conclusion, TES combined with artificial tears appeared to be an effective treatment for DE. Therefore, TES may represent a new therapeutic option with promising potential applications.

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Normal Rabbit Joint

To determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on the rabbit joint, we studied skin and intraarticular temperatures and pressure both before and following the stimulation in nine rabbits. An elevation in skin temperature by a mean of 0.6 degrees C (p less than 0.05) and increase in intraarticular temperature by a mean of 0.8 degrees C (p less than 0.01) was noted following the electrical stimulation. Intraarticular pressure in the stimulated joints has only a trend to increase, but not significantly. In four other rabbits, synovial tissue of the stimulated joint showed blood vessels congestion and interstitial edema. These results suggest that the analgetic effect produced by electrical stimulation on joints may partially involve intraarticular temperature and pressure alterations.

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation and Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) was introduced as a modality for dysphagia rehabilitation more than a decade ago. The underlying premise of this modality is improving the structural movements and enhancing neural activation based on stimulation-induced muscle contractions. However, divisive evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of this treatment modality. This manuscript reviews current evidence regarding the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) on clinical and physiological aspects of swallowing function. Furthermore, this narrative review delineates the knowledge gap in this area and recommends future research roadmap. This review gives a comprehensive picture regarding current knowledge of TES to practicing speech and language pathologists and interested researchers. It highlights the need for more robust studies in this area. It also encourages researchers to focus more on the physiologic studies to understand the physiologic underpinning behind this treatment modality.

Multipoint transcutaneous electrical stimulation reduces median effective plasma concentration of propofol: A randomised clinical trial.

Background and Aims:Previous work shows that transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) has analgesic and sedative effects. However, it is unclear whether TES can affect the sedative effect of propofol or not. This study was designed to assess the effect of TES on median effective plasma concentration (Cp50) of propofol and haemodynamic changes before and after tracheal intubation.Methods:48 patients belonging to ASA I or II posted for thyroidectomy were randomly allocated into control and TES groups. Up-and-down method was used to determine Cp50 of propofol. The average concentration of propofol in each crossover was calculated and the average concentration of those six values was defined as Cp50 of propofol.Results:Cp50 of propofol was 3.70 ± 0.28 μg/mL and 3.08 ± 0.31 μg/mL in control and TES groups, respectively (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in MAP (90.3 ± 12.4 mmHg vs. 97.0 ± 10.8 mmHg, 94.2 ± 18.7 mmHg vs. 98.3 ± 16.6 mmHg and 84.9 ± 14.1 mmHg vs. 91.6 ± 16.2 mmHg) and HR (78.2 ± 11.3 b/min vs. 75.6 ± 9.5 b/min, 90.9 ± 15.4 b/min vs. 90.4 ± 14.9 b/min and 86.7 ± 13.7 b/min vs. 84.0 ± 15.9 b/min) at T0, T1 and T2 between two groups. In TES group, HR changes at T1 and T2 were significantly higher than those at T0.Conclusion:TES can make an assistant effect on sedation and decrease Cp50 of propofol. But the haemodynamic fluctuations in TES group, especially the HR changes, seem to be more obvious than those in control group.

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Physiological Symptoms and Psychological Satisfaction in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Preliminary Study

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Physiological Symptoms and Psychological Satisfaction in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Preliminary Study

Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

IntroductionStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is often associated with female sexual dysfunction. We investigated which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) parameters (strength, power, and endurance) are associated with improvement of sexual function after 8 weeks of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) training.AimThis study was performed to determine the effects of TES in the seated position on PFM parameters and female sexual function and to identify correlation between improved PFM parameters and sexual function after 8 weeks of TES training in women with SUI.MethodsThe present study was performed between August 2018 and November 2018 in women with SUI who were randomized into a TES group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17). One subject in each of the TES and control groups ultimately withdrew during the intervention due to a lack of time. Both groups were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.Main Outcome MeasureAs outcome measures, PFM parameters (strength, power, and endurance) and female sexual function were assessed using a perineometer and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively.ResultsThe final study population consisted of 32 women with SUI. There were significant differences in PFM strength, power, and endurance and FSFI domain scores (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and total score) in both between-group analyses (TES vs control group) and within-group analyses (pre-TES vs post-TSE). Change in PFM endurance had the highest association with change in total FSFI total score (r = 0.437; P = .006), and change in PFM power had the highest association with change in FSFI satisfaction (r = 0.420; P = .008).ConclusionTES in a seated position showed a beneficial effect on sexual function in females with SUI. Consideration of PFM parameters associated with FSFI domain scores may be important when developing intervention guidelines to improve female sexual function.Hwang UJ, Lee MS, Jung SH, et al. Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. Sex Med 2019;7:505–513.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation for refractory lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly female patients

Objective To assess the clinical effects of percutaneous electrical stimulation on refractory lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly female patients. Methods Elderly female patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms from July 2016 to December 2017 were recruited.According to cystoscopy results, patients were divided into an interstitial cystitis group, a suspected interstitial cystitis group and an overactive bladder group.All patients received 3 courses of transcutaneous low-frequency electrical stimulation treatment in the suprapubic bladder area, with 40 min per time, 4 times per day, 7 days per course.Bladder diaries, pain scores and overactive bladder symptom scores were recorded before and after treatment. Results A total of 27 patients with a mean age of 74.3 years were enrolled.Under the cystoscope with water dilatation, 9 cases were found to have mucosal bleeding, with mast cells detected in mucosal specimens examined via electron microscopy(in the interstitial cystitis group), 5 cases had superficial mucosal congestion(in the suspected interstitial cystitis group)and 13 cases showed normal imaging(in the overactive bladder group). In the interstitial cystitis group, the 24-h urinary frequency improved from 15.4±2.5 times before treatment to 11.9±2.0 times after treatment(P 0.05]. In the suspected interstitial cystitis group, the 24-h urinary frequency improved from (11.8±1.5) times before treatment to (8.4±1.1) times after treatment, and pain scores decreased from (6.4±1.1) to (4.2±1.1)(P<0.05). In the overactive bladder group, the 24-h urinary frequency improved from (19.2±2.0) times before treatment to (15.9±1.3) times after treatment(P<0.05), and the overactive bladder symptom score(OABSS)decreased from (8.9±1.6) to (5.9±1.6)(P<0.05). Conclusions Percutaneous electrical stimulation is an easy, safe and effective treatment in elderly females with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms, and should be encouraged in clinical practice. Key words: Urinary, incontinence; Electrical stimulation therapy

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Nerves on Blood Pressure and Blood Content of Neuropeptide CGRP and Nitric Oxide in Hypertensive Rats with Metabolic Disturbances.

The development of arterial hypertension in male Wistar rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (12.5% of fructose solution as the only drinking source for 10 weeks) along with impaired glucose tolerance and increased serum concentration of triglycerides and LPO products caused a decrease in the content of serum blood calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (1 mA, 2 Hz, 10 min daily for 2 weeks) performed in 8 weeks after the beginning of fructose treatment reduced systolic BP and serum concentration of triglycerides and LPO produces and improved glucose tolerance. After stimulation, CGRP content in rats maintained on fructose diet returned to normal values and the content of nitric oxide metabolites increased. We hypothesize that CGRP and nitric oxide are involved in mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on arterial hypertension developing in metabolic syndrome.

Исследование межконечностных взаимодействий у человека при неинвазивной электрической стимуляции спинного мозга

The effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord on the kinematic and electromyographic characteristics of motor responses in the arms and legs muscles in healthy subjects have been studied. The subjects placed in the biomechanical simulator in a supine position and performed voluntary rhythmic leg movements displacing the carriage of the simulator's walking device, voluntary arm movements, moving the simulator levers or performed simultaneous arm and leg movements. During the rest, the sequential stimulation at the level of Th12-L1, L1-L2 and C5-C6 vertebrae did not elicit leg movements in most subjects, however, the arm movements in combination with stimulation of the spinal cord initiated fluctuations in the joints of the legs (amplitude up to 10 angle degrees). The stimulation in combination with arm movements facilitated voluntary leg movements and increased the integral characteristic of electromyographic activity. The most pronounced changes in the amplitude of movements of the hip joint were revealed. Effects of multisegmental spinal cord stimulation in regulation of interlimb synergy were examined. The results can be used to develop the approach for neurorehabilitation of patients with impaired motor functions.