50 likes | 63 Views
This study examines changes in body composition and spasticity after subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in adults with spinal cord injury. Results show positive effects on lean body mass and spasticity scores, highlighting the potential clinical benefits for this population.
E N D
Alterations in body composition and spasticity following subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in spinal cord injury Amanda Carty, BSc, MSc, PhD; Kirsty McCormack, BSc; Garret F. Coughlan, BSc, PhD; Louis Crowe, MD, BCh, BAO; Brian Caulfield, BSc, MMedSci, PhD
Aim • Investigate alterations in body composition variables and spasticity following subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). • Relevance • Skeletal muscle atrophy and development of spasticity are two common sequelae of SCI.
Method • 4 adhesive electrodes were placed bilaterally on proximal and distal quadriceps and hamstrings of 14 sedentary adults with SCI. • Subtetanic contractions were elicited using handheld neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device. • Lean body mass (LBM)/other body composition variables and spasticity measured before and after 8-week NMES training.
Results • Statistically significant increase in lower-limb LMB was observed. • Subjective responses were positive.
Conclusion • Improvements in body composition and Spinal Cord Assessment Tool for Spastic Reflexes scores indicate that subtetanic NMES training: • Elicits favorable responses. • May have important clinical implications for SCI population.