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A novel method of inducing muscle cramps using repetitive magnetic stimulation
Author(s) -
Caress James B.,
Bastings Eric P.,
Hammond Greg L.,
Walker Francis O.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(200001)23:1<126::aid-mus19>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - muscle cramp , medicine , ankle , stimulation , reproducibility , nerve stimulator , muscle contraction , pathophysiology , electromyography , anesthesia , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , surgery , chemistry , chromatography
The lack of a practical model has hampered attempts to study the pathophysiology of muscle cramps. We investigated the feasibility, efficacy, and reproducibility of repetitive magnetic stimulation in producing experimental cramps. In 14 healthy subjects, the tibial nerve at the ankle was stimulated with a magnetic stimulator at rates beginning at 4 Hz to a maximum of 20 Hz. The frequency was gradually increased until a cramp was produced. Ten of 14 subjects demonstrated a muscle cramp. All subjects rated the discomfort of the procedure to be mild or moderate. Repeat testing yielded values that were highly reproducible. This technique holds promise for clinical studies and therapeutic trials. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 126–128, 2000