Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Research Articles

Advances in the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the prevention of venous thromboembolism

Pharmacologic prophylaxis is the most commonly used prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the pharmacologic prophylaxis is limited in patients at high risk of bleeding. Mechanical prophylaxis alone or in combination is an important method of VTE prophylaxis in patients at high risk of bleeding, but the current mainstream mechanical prophylaxis, which includes graded compression stockings, intermittent inflatable compression pumps and plantar venous compression pumps, has some limitations, leading to discomfort for patients wearing them due to the large contact area, and even affecting ability to perform daily activities. Many clinical studies have found that NMES combined with pharmacological prophylaxis has better efficacy and safety than pharmacological prophylaxis alone in preventing VTE in medical and surgical patients, and the preventive effect of NMES alone is not inferior to other mechanical prophylaxis. Besides, it also has the advantages of ease of wear and patient compliance. Currently, clinicians have limited experience and knowledge of NMES. We aimed to present the rationale, progress in clinical research and future perspective of NMES in VTE prophylaxis.

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IS BENEFICIAL FOR EARLY REHABILITATION AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

The principal of “function priority, early rehabilitation, and return to sports” is now the goal for sports injury rehabilitation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a rising procedure for early rehabilitation. This paper systematically assessed the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on postoperative ACL reconstruction to provide guidance for physiotherapist and patient when designing a suitable rehabilitation protocol.To evaluate the interventional outcomes of neuromuscular electrical stimulation following ACL reconstruction, we searched PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI to collect all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects with neuromuscular electrical stimulation and without intervention on rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction up to January 30, 2022. Two investigators independently performed literature screening, data extraction, bias assessment of risk, and used RevMan 5.3 software to conduct a meta-analysis.A total of six RCTs were included, and the results showed that the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction significantly improved the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores (MD 6.33, 95% CI [-0.43, 12.22]; I2 = 66%; p = 0.040), the Lysholm score (MD 7.94, 95% CI [6.49, 9.39]; I2 = 89%; p < 0.001), and the range of motion (ROM) (MD 9.99, 95% CI [7.97, 12.02]; I2 = 81%; p < 0.001) in the knees when compared to the control group without using neuromuscular electrical stimulation.Existing evidence show that neuromuscular electrical stimulation is beneficial for early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation is encouraged in the design of rehabilitation protocol. However, due to the limited number of RCT studies and the small sample size, further multi-center RCTs with more participants are needed for a higher-level evidence.

789 Role of Speech Therapy (SLP) in the rehabilitation of a complicated case of glossoparesis (GP)

IntroductionGlossoparesis is defined as a neurodegenerative process resulting in progressive dysphagia and dysarthria. The deinervation of the tongue and related structures results in flaccid muscle function unilaterally and bilaterally, this process is difficult to treat and rehabilitate and prognosis is considered poor. We encountered this in a patient that had a complicated case of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) that arose from an abscessed tooth.The purpose of this case report is to summarize the overall approach to a rehabilitation plan which resulted in successful return to speech and partial swallow.MethodsThe patient was diagnosed with an abscessed tooth which resulted in Necrotizing fasciitis of the face, neck and chest. Multiple surgical interventions resulted in removal of necrotic tissue and reconstructive interventions were implemented. Initial prognosis of return of function was noted as “poor” per ENT services. Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist noted that prognosis for recovery of function is unknown but was low.Speech Therapy was also consulted and an individualized plan of care to address the deficits assessed was developed. Initial prognosis of return of functional speech / swallow was guarded. It was felt to be highly appropriate to provide the patient with therapeutic options.Speech Therapy sessions included use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Thermal Stimulation, Tactile Stimulation, Therapeutic Massage to affected regions, Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation, finger occlusion trials for speech production attempts to ready patient for use of Passy Muir Valve, Oral Motor Exercises, Laryngeal Elevation Tasks, Vocal Stretching / Relaxation tasks and oral trials of ice chips as musculature function improved.ResultsThrough the use of these multiple modalities of skilled speech therapy intervention, the patient had return of functional verbal communication prior to discharge to a skilled rehabilitation program.ConclusionsUpon initial evaluation, the true potential for return of function was questioned. It is paramount that patient be given an opportunity to succeed - to be included in the plan of care - to be provided with opportunities to return to their prior level of function or as close as possible. There is little to no research regarding return of function for patients affected by glossoparesis.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional exercise capacity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional capacity of patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Design A prospective, randomized controlled trial. Setting A cardiac surgery specialist hospital in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Subjects: Patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Intervention The control group received the conventional physiotherapy and the intervention group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles bilaterally, applied for 60 min, twice a day for up to 10 sessions per patient, in the immediate postoperative period until postoperative day 5. Main measures The primary outcome was the distance walked, which was evaluated using the 6-min walk test on postoperative day 5. Secondary outcomes were gait speed, lactate levels, muscle strength, electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris and Functional Independence Measure, some of them evaluated on preoperative and postoperative period. Results Of 132 eligible patients, 88 patients were included and randomly allocated in two groups, and 45 patients were included in the analysis. No significant difference was found on the distance walked (p = 0.650) between patients allocated in intervention group (239.06 ± 88.55) and control group (254.43 ± 116.67) as well as gait speed (p = 0.363), lactate levels (p = 0.302), knee extensor strength (p = 0.117), handgrip strength (p = 0.882), global muscle strength (p = 0.104), electromyographic activity (p = 0.179) and Functional Independence Measure (p = 0.059). Conclusions Although the effects are still uncertain, the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation carried out in five days didn't present any benefit on functional capacity of patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Abdominal and Quadriceps Muscle Strengthening: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Radiographic imaging has demonstrated muscle hypertrophy after treatment with noninvasive body contouring devices that target skeletal muscles. This pilot study sought to evaluate whether increased muscle mass translated to improved functional strength and endurance. A prospective, single-center, randomized open-label controlled study included 26 subjects randomized into 3 groups: 2 treatment groups and 1 control group. Both treatment groups received 4 neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) treatments over a 2-week period. Muscle performance testing was conducted at baseline and 2-week and 4-week posttreatment. Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and at 4-week posttreatment. Study participants completed subject satisfaction surveys and a personal experience assessment. Treatment with NMES resulted in statistically significant improvements in abdominal and quadriceps strength and endurance from baseline through 4-week posttreatment. Mean waist circumference decreased and quadriceps circumference increased, both nonsignificantly. Subject satisfaction regarding abdominal and quadriceps strength was reported as "satisfied or very satisfied" in 89% and 92% at 4-week and 8-week posttreatment, respectively. Treatment of the abdomen and quadriceps with NMES leads to significant improvements in muscular strength and endurance.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Recent studies have investigated the various components of postoperative rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The objective of this article was to access and summarize the latest evidence for postoperative rehabilitation protocols following ACLR to evaluate common timeframes, number of phases, exercises, as well as the length of rehabilitation protocol. Common interventions include vibration training, open-chain and closed-chain exercises, electrical stimulation, postoperative bracing, and aquatic therapy. The eligibility criteria included English-language articles published from 2000 to 2019 pertaining to rehabilitation following ACLR, excluding addresses, commentaries, and editorials. Two blinded reviewers screened, graded, and extracted data from articles. Recommendations on various aspects of rehabilitation were summarized. A total of 3651 articles were retrieved from the database search, and 62 level 1 to 2 studies were available for extraction. On the basis of the evidence, vibration training can be safely incorporated into the postoperative rehabilitation protocol following ACLR. Accelerated rehabilitation may give patients short-term functional benefits. Open kinetic chain exercises may have additional strength and endurance benefits. Postoperative bracing does not confer additional benefits. Long-term use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation seems to be more beneficial than short-term use. Aquatic rehabilitation may be beneficial in the early phases of anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation.

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on swallowing in Persons with Parkinson’s disease exhibiting Dysphagia: A Systematic Review

Swallowing is an essential activity required for survival. The global definition of dysphagia is simply difficulty in swallowing. Around 80% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are diagnosed with dysphagia in any stage of their disease progression. Dysphagia therapy in these individuals has gained considerable importance in improving the quality of life in the recent past. With the advancement of technology related to dysphagia management, the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in dysphagia management is studied extensively, and the efficacy of it in successfully easing dysphagia symptoms in PD is still being evaluated. Hence this systematic review is aimed to give an overview regarding the current status of the literature available on the effect of NMES as a method of dysphagia rehabilitation on swallowing function in persons with PD. The present review will collate and critically analyse the existing knowledge of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in dysphagia management of persons with Parkinson’s disease. The authors did a systematic literature search following the PRISMA guidelines using electronic databases for studies reporting the use or effect of NMES on swallow function, aiding management of dysphagia in persons with PD. The quality and the levels of evidence of articles included were in accordance with the ABC rating scale by Siwek et al [20]. 3 out of 38 publications identified met the inclusion criteria. The authors carried out a systematic, qualitative and critical analysis of the articles finalised. The summary of the reviewed articles revealed the dearth of evidence and several methodological flaws as well as highlighted the prevailing research gap in this arena. This review additionally aids Speech-Language and Swallow Pathologists in clinical decision making and future directions concerning selecting Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) as a treatment option for managing dysphagia in persons with PD.

Does Functional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Influence Calf Atrophy Following Achilles Tendon Surgery? Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial on the Use of Immediate Postoperative Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Preserve Muscle Function and Volume

Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon can lead to prolonged calf atrophy and functional limitations, even with early weightbearing. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been studied in muscle rehabilitation programs following anterior cruciate ligament repair. Accelerated recovery and pain reduction were noted. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of electrical stimulation on maintaining calf muscle cross-sectional area volume and improving patient reported outcome measures following Achilles tendon surgery. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty patients were enrolled. All patients had undergone repair of the Achilles tendon. A 4 lead NMES device was applied at time of surgery with both patient and surgeon blinded to activity of the device. All patients followed a standardized postoperative protocol. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who received protocol specific NMES. Group 2 was the “sham device” control group, receiving subtherapeutic electrical stimulation. Preoperative and postoperative calf circumference (2, 6, 12 weeks) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (2, 6 weeks) were conducted. Patient-reported functional outcome scores were measured. Of the 40 patients, 23 (57.5%) were male and 17 (42.5%) were female. The mean age was 48.9 years (11.1 standard deviation [SD]) with a mean body mass index of 32.2 kg/m2 (5.7 SD). Calf measurements for Group 1 (39.3 cm and 39.7 cm) were slightly higher compared Group 2 (38.4 cm and 39.2 cm) at 6 and 12 weeks postoperative. Functional scores were similar between Groups 1 and 2 at final follow-up. Foot/Ankle Computer Adaptive Test scores were 55.1 (6.9 SD) versus 58.4(8.6 SD), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scores were 82.3 (8.2 SD) and 83.9 (9.3 SD), respectively. The visual analog scale at 12-week visit for Groups 1 and 2 was 8.4 (9.3 SD) and 8.4 (9.1 SD), respectively. This prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken to quantify and validate the effect and ability of NMES to minimize calf atrophy after acute or chronic repair. No statistically significant difference was found between active NMES and sham control group. There was a trend showing some maintenance of calf volume per MRI study.

THE EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WHEY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

ABSTRACTObjective: To analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the femoral quadriceps associated or not with whey protein supplementation on the electromyographic activity and body mass distribution in volunteers undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: 24 volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: basal control, whey protein in association with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone. Results: In the postoperative evaluation, during the mini squat, the basal group showed a decrease in the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.003, eyes closed), vastus lateralis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.020; eyes closed) and rectus femoris (p = 0.075, eyes open; p = 0.074, eyes closed) and of body mass distribution in the injured limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed), and in the healthy limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed). Conclusion: The early use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris maintained the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles and prevented asymmetries in body mass distribution 15 days after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.

Effects of rehabilitation methods on lower-limb muscle function and functional performance in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

Objective: To investigate the effects of rehabilitation methods on leg muscle function and functional performance in cystic fibrosis. Data sources: A literature search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and the Cochrane Library from inception to October 12, 2020. A secondary hand search through reference lists from identified articles was conducted. Review methods: Three authors independently checked the full-text copies for eligibility of relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results suggestive of leg muscle function (e.g. strength, power, endurance, and fatigue) and functional performance were reported. Results: The search identified 8 studies (233 patients). The overall quality of these articles was good. Rehabilitation modalities investigated were physical exercises (aerobic, anaerobic and resistance training) (n = 7) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (n = 1). Most studies (n = 4) reported on the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training and showed improvement on leg strength when exercises were supervised. Aerobic training alone or the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation also enhanced leg strength, whereas anaerobic training did not. Two studies evaluated leg fatigue and found no improvement compared to standard care. One study assessed the effect of exercises on functional performance and found no improvement when compared to standard care. No studies emphasized the impact of rehabilitation methods on leg muscle endurance or power. Conclusion: Combined aerobic and resistance training enhances leg muscle strength in cystic fibrosis. There is insufficient data on other leg muscle outcomes, nor on alternative rehabilitation strategies.

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on function outcome measures following muscle fatigue: a systematic review

Background: The ability to recover after bouts of fatigue caused by high-intensity physical activity is one of the greatest challenges in sports medicine and exercise science. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been used with the theory that it decreases blood metabolites more quickly and therefore decreases recovery time. This systematic review analyzed primary research articles that investigated functional outcomes related to the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a recovery modality. Methods: SportsDiscus, US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Current Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were used to search “neuromuscular electrical stimulation” OR “nmes” OR “electric* stimulation” OR “electrostimulation” AND “recovery” OR “muscle recovery” AND “athlete*.” Articles had to contain results from functional tests following fatigue and needed to compare these results between a neuromuscular electrical stimulation group and a passive recovery or control group. Results: One-hundred sixty-two subjects participated in the 11 studies evaluated in the review. Functional outcome measures were obtained in various methods throughout the study. There were inconsistent findings between the studies, with a tendency for the intervention to be ineffective. Conclusions: Inconsistencies between the studies likely attributed to the unclear findings of the review. Several protocols were used throughout the various studies causing multiple variables that could not be isolated. Electrode placement, stimulation frequency and intensity, and functional testing protocols were the major difference between studies that led to the inconsistent findings. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation is often used as a recovery modality, research findings are mixed regarding its effectiveness as an intervention for recovery. Level of Evidence: Level I.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Use after Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Early Return to Function: A Randomized Trial.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been reported as an effective method for quadriceps strengthening which could attenuate muscle loss in the early total knee arthroplasty (TKA) postoperative recovery period. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether postoperative use of NMES on TKA patients results in increased quadriceps strength and ultimately improved functional outcomes. This randomized controlled clinical trial of 66 primary TKA patients was conducted at a large academic medical center. Patients were randomized 2:1 into treatment (NMES use, n = 44) or control arm (no NMES, n = 22). Patients who used the device for an average of 200 minutes/week or more (starting 1 week postoperative and continuing through week 12) were considered compliant. Baseline measurements and outcomes were recorded at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and included quadriceps strength, range of motion (ROM), resting pain, functional timed up and go (TUG), stair climb test, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and veterans rand 12-item health survey (VR-12) scores. Patients in the treatment arm (NMES use) experienced quadriceps strength gains over baseline at 3, 6, and 12 weeks following surgery, which were statistically significant compared with controls with quadriceps strength losses at 3 (p = 0.050) and 6 weeks (p = 0.015). The TUG improvements for patients treated with NMES showed significant improvements at 6 (p = 0.018) and 12 weeks (p = 0.003) postoperatively. Use of a home-based application-controlled NMES therapy system added to standard of care treatment showed statistically significant improvements in quadriceps strength and TUG following TKA, supporting a quicker return to function.

A Cyber-Physical System for Near Real-Time Monitoring of At-Home Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Mobile-Based Provider-Patient Communications to Improve Adherence: Development and Formative Evaluation.

BackgroundKnee extensor muscle performance is reduced after lower extremity trauma and orthopedic surgical interventions. At-home use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may improve functional recovery, but adherence to at-home interventions is low. Greater benefits from NMES may be realized with closer monitoring of adherence to at-home prescriptions and more frequent patient-provider interactions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a cyber-physical system to monitor at-home adherence to NMES prescription and facilitate patient-provider communications to improve adherence in near real time.MethodsThe RehabTracker cyber-physical system was developed to accomplish this goal and comprises four components: (1) hardware modifications to a commercially available NMES therapy device to monitor device use and provide Bluetooth functionality; (2) an iPhone Operating System–based mobile health (mHealth) app that enables patient-provider communications in near real time; (3) a clinician portal to allow oversight of patient adherence with device use; and (4) a back-end server to store data, enable adherence analysis, and send automated push notifications to the patient. These four elements were designed to be fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The system underwent formative testing in a cohort of patients following anterior cruciate ligament rupture (n=7) to begin to assess face validity.ResultsCompared with the NMES device software–tracked device use, the RehabTracker system recorded 83% (40/48) of the rehabilitation sessions, with 100% (32/32) of all sessions logged by the system in 4 out of 7 patients. In patients for whom tracking of automated push notifications was enabled, 100% (29/29) of the push notifications sent by the back-end server were received by the patient. Process, hardware, and software issues contributing to these inaccuracies are detailed.ConclusionsRehabTracker represents a promising mHealth app for tracking and improving adherence with at-home NMES rehabilitation programs and warrants further refinement and testing.

Dysphagia after chemo‐radiation for nasopharyngeal cancer: A scoping review

ObjectiveNasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has distinct characteristics regarding its global prevalence, initial presentation, management and patient outcomes compared to other subtypes of head and neck cancer (HNC). The mainstay of NPC treatment is chemo-radiation (C/RT) and while dysphagia is a known early and late toxicity of C/RT treatment, the nature of dysphagia post NPC treatment has had limited investigation. The objective of this review is to summarise the existing evidence regarding dysphagia following NPC to inform the future research agenda for this population. Dysphagia incidence, characteristic deficits observed across the phases of swallowing, efficacy of current dysphagia interventions, and effect on quality of life will be explored.Data sourcesDatabases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were included.MethodsA scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened selected full text articles.ResultsOf the initial 2495 articles found, 28 articles were included. Reports of penetration and aspiration varied widely (0%–91.6%), with high rates of silent aspiration identified in 2 studies (42%, 66%). Oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal phase impairments were reported. Of these, upper esophageal stasis and multiple pharyngeal stage deficits were most prevalent. The pharyngeal constrictors were found to have a significant dose–effect relationship and shielding to the anterior neck field was effective to preserve swallowing function. Six treatment studies were identified with limited evidence supporting the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, dilatation and swallowing exercises. Quality of life was adversely affected.ConclusionsDysphagia is a prevalent early and late problem post NPC treatment, with impairments across all phases of the swallow. Studies on preventing dysphagia and treatment efficacy remain limited. More systematic study of the nature of dysphagia and the efficacy of treatment in this population is warranted.

A Narrative Review of the Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Individuals With Diabetic Foot Ulceration.

This review aims to summarize the evidence reported on the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). A systematic search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was performed in February 2019, using search terms relating to the domains DFU and NMES. All primary evidence assessing outcomes of NMES in DFU were included. Of 344 references obtained from database searching, 7 met the inclusion criteria and included a total of 140 participants, 77 of whom had DFU. All included studies used prospective designs. Two studies demonstrated improvements in chronic ulcer healing with NMES use; however, in each study, only 3 of the included participants had DFU and subgroup analyses based on ulcer etiology was omitted. The remaining 5 studies were produced by the same research group and positive effects of NMES (in combination with heat therapy) on DFU healing were consistently demonstrated. They reported significantly better healing rates with NMES in DFU than in nondiabetic wounds of a similar grade (healing rate: 70.0 ± 32.3% in DFU vs 38.4 ± 22.3% in nondiabetic ulcers [P < .01]). These studies did not provide data assessing the isolated effects of NMES without concomitant heat exposure. Data on device tolerability and compliance were lacking. The existing data support a potential role for NMES in individuals with DFU; however, the identified studies inadequately controlled for confounding and were underpowered. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with DFU, higher quality evidence is needed to assess the adjunctive role for NMES in this group.

Immediate effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in individuals after oral and oropharyngeal cancer therapy.

Objective:To analyze the immediate effect of sensory and motor neuromuscular electrical stimulation, in oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing, in individuals after oral and oropharyngeal cancer therapy.Methods:The study was conducted on 10 individuals (mean age of 58 years) submitted to oral and oropharyngeal cancer therapy. The individuals were submitted to videofluoroscopy, during which they were randomly asked to swallow 5 mL of liquid, honey, and pudding, in three conditions: without stimulation, with sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and with motor neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The degree of swallowing dysfunction was scored (Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale), as well as the presence of food stasis (Eisenhuber scale), and measurement of the oral and pharyngeal transit time. The results were statistically analyzed by the Friedman test or analysis of variance for repeated measures.Results:The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale revealed improvement for one individual with both sensory and motor stimuli, and worsening in two individuals, being one with motor and one with sensory stimulus. In the Eisenhuber scale, the neuromuscular electrical stimulation changed the presence of residues to variable extents. Concerning the oral and pharyngeal transit time, no difference was observed between the different stimulation levels for the consistencies tested (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Both sensory and motor neuromuscular electrical stimulations presented a varied immediate impact on the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing in individuals after oral and oropharyngeal cancer therapy. Thus, the results of the immediate effect suggest that the technique is not indicated, evidencing the need of caution in the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the rehabilitation of dysphagia, after HNC treatment.

Evaluation of the dose-response for electrostimulation with Aussie current in the core strength

Introduction. Muscle strengthening to improve joint stability is widely used in the rehabilitation process, and the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a useful tool, but the use of Aussie current still has little documentation about its effectiveness. Aim. To verify if there is a dose-response effect to Aussie current, both in the strength and in the static and dynamic stability of the deep pelvic lumbar muscles. Material and methods. 39 volunteers divided into four groups, one control and three electrostimulation with intensity variation, one with intensity at the contraction threshold (GT), another with intensity maintained at 20% more (G20), and another with intensity maintained at 30% more (G30) than the intensity at the contraction threshold. The intervention lasted four weeks, with three weekly sessions lasting 15 minutes. Initially and after the intervention period, the strength and stability of the deep muscles of the pelvic lumbar region were measured in a static and dynamic manner by a biofeedback pressure unit. Results. There was a significant increase of pressure under the lordoses in the pre- and post-evaluation moments, there were no differences in the evaluation of indirect force (dynamic stability), but there was an increase in the time for GT. The effect sizes presented advantages for the electrostimulated groups in static stability. Conclusion. The doses used did not promote significant statistical differences, but the effects were positive for the electrostimulated groups, especially with respect to static stability.

MEDIUM AND LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROTHERAPY IN THE MUSCLE STRENGTH

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as one of the pillars of the therapeutic modalities for the gain of muscle strength. Objective: To compare the strength gain in the elbow flexor muscles in women after the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) of low and medium frequency. Materials and Methods: 15 women were selected, with normal body mass index (BMI), previously healthy, sedentary and aging from 18 to 27 years old. They were randomically separated in 2 groups, Russian current (n=8) and low frequency (FES) group (n=7), with the stimulation only in the weakest arm of the participants. FES frequency was 50Hz, pulse duration of 200 microseconds and Russian current, medium frequency alternating current of 2,500 Hz, was modulated to 50Hz, duty cycle of 50%, for both methods the ramp-up and ramp-down was 2 seconds, 20 seconds of ON and OFF time, for 20 minutes in the triceps brachii, for 5 weeks, with intensity enough to promote a muscle contraction visible and tolerable. Strength measurements were made with a portable dynamometer before the start of the NMES protocol and after the end of it. Results: we used the paired T test and the T Student test with the significance level set to p<0.05. There was an increase of muscular strength in both arms for the same group, with the average gain in the FES stimulation of 7.2 pounds and in the Russian current stimulation of 14.5 pounds, with intragroup and inter group statistic significance. Conclusion: The Russian current stimulation was more efficient in promoting strength muscular gains when compared to FES, although both low and medium frequency currents were able to promote significant improvements but the groups were different as to the force at the time pre-stimulation.

Fatigue in complete spinal cord injury and implications on total delay.

The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to artificially restore movement in people with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) induces an accelerated process of muscle fatigue. Fatigue increases the time between the beginning of NMES and the onset of muscle force (DelayTOT ). Understanding how much muscle fatigue affects the DelayTOT in people with SCI could help in the design of closed-loop neuroprostheses that compensate for this delay, thus making the control system more stable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the extent of fatigue on DelayTOT and peak force of the lower limbs in people with complete SCI. Fifteen men-young adults with complete SCI (paraplegia and tetraplegia) and stable health-participated in the experiment. DelayTOT was defined as the time interval between the beginning of NMES application until the onset of muscle force. The electrical intensity of NMES applied was adjusted individually and consisted of the amplitude required to obtain a full extension of the knee (0°), considering the maximum electrically stimulated extension (MESE). Subsequently, 70% of the MESE was applied during the fatigue induction protocol. Significant differences were identified between the moments before and after the fatigue protocol, both for peak force (P≤.026) and DelayTOT (P≤.001). The medians and interquartile range of the DelayTOT were higher in postfatigue (199.0ms) when compared to the moment before fatigue (146.5ms). The medians and interquartile range of the peak force were higher in unfatigued lower limbs (0.43kgf) when compared to the moment postfatigue (0.27kgf). The results support the hypothesis that muscle fatigue influences the increase in DelayTOT and decrease in force production in people with SCI. For future applications, the combined evaluation of the delay and force in SCI patients provides valuable feedback for NMES paradigms. The study will provide potentially critical muscle mechanical evidence for the investigation of the evolution of atrophy.

Use of home neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the first 6 weeks improves function and reduces pain after primary total knee arthroplasty: a matched comparison.

The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been demonstrated to facilitate quadriceps muscle recovery and to reduce pain. However, to our knowledge, this therapeutic modality has not been directly tested in patients who receive muscle stimulators for home use immediately after surgery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of NMES use at home in addition to standard therapy program in patients after primary TKA surgery, and to compare the early functional results to a matching group of post TKA patients who did not receive home NMES units. A total of 41 patients scheduled for a primary TKA during April 1st, 2017 to January 31st, 2018 were identified as being eligible for the study. There were 15 patients deemed ineligible to be part of the study, resulting in 26 patients who were fitted either 1 week before or within 1 week of surgery a home NMES device. The device was controlled by a smart phone. Patients were asked to use the NMES device daily for 20 minutes, 3 times a day, for 6 weeks after surgery. As their ability to activate their quadriceps muscle improved, patients were encouraged to increase their exercise regimens. The NMES patients were compared to a matched cohort of 26 patients who had a TKA performed between June 1st, 2015 and July 31st, 2016, but did not receive home an NMES device. Comparative outcomes included: timed up and go (TUG) test, single limb stance (SLS) time, time to ascend and descend one flight of stairs, quadriceps lag, active and passive range of motion (ROM), 2-minute walking distance, and pain rating on a visual analog scale (VAS). A P value of 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance for the matched comparison. Patients in the home NMES had significantly better scores for quadriceps lag (P<0.001), TUG (P<0.001), time to ascend and descend one flight of stairs (P=0.001), SLS time (P<0.001). They also experienced significantly lower resting pain (P<0.001) and lower worst reported pain scores (P<0.001) compared to the control cohort. Additionally, there were a higher percentage of patients in the control cohort that could not use stairs reciprocally compared to the home NMES group (53.85% vs. 23.08%). Furthermore, passive range of motion for flexion was statistically better in the home NMES group (P=0.037). This matched comparison of primary TKA patients demonstrated significant pain reductions both at rest and lower worst reported pain scores and improved function with use of the home-based NMES units for the sub-acute phase of recovery. Patients walked longer distances safely as shown by improvements in TUG, quadriceps lag, and single limb support time. Larger proportions of patients in home NMES group were able to negotiate stairs reciprocally and faster than the matched control group. These findings may have important economic and functional implications for the post-operative care of TKA patient.