Electrical Stimulation During Gait Promotes Increase of Muscle Cross-sectional Area in Quadriplegics: A Preliminary Study

Author(s)

Carvalho de Abreu, Daniela Cristina ^[1] ; Cliquet, Jr., Alberto ^[2] ; Rondina, Jane Maryan ^[3] ; Cendes, Fernando ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Biomech Med & Rehabil Locomotor Syst Dept, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sci, Dept Orthopaed, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sci, Neuroimage Lab, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLINICAL ORTHOPAEDICS AND RELATED RESEARCH; v. 467, n. 2, p. 553-557, FEB 2009.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Increases in muscular cross-sectional area (CSA) occur in quadriplegics after training, but the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) along with training are unknown. Thus, we addressed two questions: (1) Does NMES during treadmill gait training increase the quadriceps CSA in complete quadriplegics?; and (2) Is treadmill gait training alone enough to observe an increase in CSA? Fifteen quadriplegics were divided into gait (n = 8) and control (n = 7) groups. The gait group performed training with NMES for 6 months twice a week for 20 minutes each time. After 6 months of traditional therapy, the control group received the same gait training protocol but without NMES for an additional 6 months. Axial images of the thigh were acquired at the beginning of the study, at 6 months (for both groups), and at 12 months for the control group to determine the average quadriceps CSA. After 6 months, there was an increase of CSA in the gait group (from 49.8 +/- A 9.4 cm(2) to 57.3 +/- A 10.3 cm(2)), but not in the control group (from 43.6 +/- A 7.6 cm(2) to 41.8 +/- A 8.4 cm(2)). After another 6 months of gait without NMES in the control group, the CSA did not change (from 41.8 +/- A 8.4 cm(2) to 41.7 +/- A 7.9 cm(2)). The increase in quadriceps CSA after gait training in patients with chronic complete quadriplegia appears associated with NMES. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 96/12198-2 - Development of mechanisms, artificial organs and biosensors in the modulation, control and communication in biomechanical and rehabilitation systems.
• Grantee: Alberto Cliquet Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants