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Electrical muscle stimulation after immediate nerve repair reduces muscle atrophy without affecting reinnervation
Author(s) -
Willand Michael P.,
Holmes Michael,
Bain James R.,
Fahnestock Margaret,
Bruin Hubert
Publication year - 2013
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.23726
Subject(s) - reinnervation , stimulation , electrical muscle stimulation , atrophy , muscle atrophy , medicine , denervation , anatomy , neuromuscular junction , motor unit , tibial nerve , functional electrical stimulation , neuroscience , biology
ABSTRACT Introduction Electrical stimulation of denervated muscle has been shown to minimize atrophy and fibrosis and increase force in animal and human models. However, electrical stimulation after nerve repair is controversial due to questions of efficacy. Methods Using a rat model, we investigated the efficacy of short‐term electrical muscle stimulation for increasing reinnervation and preventing muscle atrophy. After tibial nerve transection and immediate repair with the fibular nerve, 1 month of electrical stimulation was applied 5 days/week for 1 hour to the gastrocnemius muscle via implanted electrodes. Results After 2 months of further recovery without stimulation, muscle weights, twitch forces, and type I fiber areas were significantly greater in stimulated animals than in repaired controls without stimulation. Motor unit size and numbers were not different between the 2 groups. Conclusions Short‐term electrical muscle stimulation after nerve repair significantly reduces muscle atrophy and does not affect motor reinnervation. Muscle Nerve , 48: 219–225, 2013