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Optimization of protocols using neuromuscular electrical stimulation for paralyzed lower-limb muscles to increase energy expenditure in people with spinal cord injury

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for paralyzed lower-limb muscles results in an increase in energy expenditure and if the number of activated muscles and duty cycle affect the potential increase. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Energy expenditure during all NMES protocols was significantly higher than the condition without NMES (1.2 ± 0.2 kcal/min), with the highest increase (+ 51%; +0.7 kcal/min, 95% CI: 0.3 - 1.2) for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. A significant decrease in muscle contraction size during NMES was found with a longer stimulation time, more muscles activated or the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. CONCLUSION: Using NMES for paralyzed lower-limb muscles can significantly increase the energy expenditure compared to sitting without NMES with the highest increase for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. Muscle fatigue occurred significantly with the more intense NMES protocols which might cause a lower energy expenditure in a longer protocol. Future studies should further optimize the NMES parameters and investigate the long-term effects of NMES on weight management in people with SCI.

Reference Ma, Y., de Groot, S., Vink, A., Harmsen, W., Smit, C. A. J., Stolwijk-Swuste, J. M., Weijs, P. J. M., & Janssen, T. W. J. (2023). Optimization of protocols using neuromuscular electrical stimulation for paralyzed lower-limb muscles to increase energy expenditure in people with spinal cord injury. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 102(6), 489-497. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002120
Published by  Urban Vitality 1 June 2023

Publication date

Jun 2023

Author(s)

Yiming Ma
Sonja de Groot
Ad Vink
Wouter Harmsen
Christof A J Smit
Janneke M Stolwijk-Swuste
Thomas W J Janssen

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