Premium
Adaptive change in electrically stimulated muscle: A framework for the design of clinical protocols
Author(s) -
Salmons Stanley
Publication year - 2009
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/mus.21497
Subject(s) - stimulation , skeletal muscle , physical medicine and rehabilitation , duty cycle , medicine , functional electrical stimulation , neuroscience , risk analysis (engineering) , computer science , psychology , engineering , voltage , electrical engineering
Abstract Adult mammalian skeletal muscles have a remarkable capacity for adapting to increased use. Although this behavior is familiar from the changes brought about by endurance exercise, it is seen to a much greater extent in the response to long‐term neuromuscular stimulation. The associated phenomena include a markedly increased resistance to fatigue, and this is the key to several clinical applications. However, a more rational basis is needed for designing regimes of stimulation that are conducive to an optimal outcome. In this review I examine relevant factors, such as the amount, frequency, and duty cycle of stimulation, the influence of force generation, and the animal model. From these considerations a framework emerges for the design of protocols that yield an overall functional profile appropriate to the application. Three contrasting examples illustrate the issues that need to be addressed clinically. Muscle Nerve, 2009