Twelve-Week Daily Gluteal and Hamstring Electrical Stimulation Improves Vascular Structure and Function, Limb Volume, and Sitting Pressure in Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Feasibility Study

We examined the long-term effects of low-intensity electrical stimulation on (micro)vasculature and sitting pressure of a home-based, wearable electrical stimulation device in a pilot feasibility study. Design In a cohort observation before-after trial, nine middle-aged male (n = 8) and female (n = 1) individuals (48 ± 15 yrs) with American Spinal Injury Association A–C classified chronic (1–24 yrs) spinal cord injury underwent 12 wks of self-administered daily, low-intensity gluteal and hamstring electrical stimulation (50 Hz, 6 hrs [30-min electrical stimulation, 15-min rest]). Common femoral artery diameter and blood blow were determined with ultrasound, skin vascular function during local heating was assessed using Laser-Doppler flowmetry, thigh volume was estimated using leg circumferences and skinfolds, and interface sitting pressure was measured using pressure mapping. Results Resting common femoral artery diameter increased (0.73 ± 0.20 to 0.79 ± 0.22 cm, P
Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research