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Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps isometric force and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury
Author(s) -
Deley Gaelle,
Denuziller Jeremy,
Babault Nicolas,
Taylor John Andrew
Publication year - 2015
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.24530
Subject(s) - isometric exercise , spinal cord injury , functional electrical stimulation , spinal cord , medicine , muscle fatigue , stimulation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , quadriceps femoris muscle , electromyography , anesthesia , neuroscience , physical therapy , psychology , psychiatry
Variable frequency trains (VFT) or train combinations have been suggested as useful strategies to offset the rapid fatigue induced by constant frequency trains (CFT) during electrical stimulation. However, most studies have been of short duration with limited functional application in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). We therefore tested force and fatigue in response to VFT, CFT, and combined patterns in strength training‐like conditions (6‐s contractions). Methods Ten SCI individuals underwent either CFT or VFT patterns until target torque was no longer produced and then switched immediately to the other pattern. Results Target torque was reached more times when VFT was used first (VFT: 6.7 ± 0.8 vs. CFT: 3.5 ± 0.2 contractions, P < 0.05) and when it was followed by the CFT pattern (VFT‐CFT: 10.3 ± 1.2 vs. CFT‐VFT: 6.9 ± 1.2 contractions, P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that for the same initial forces the VFT pattern is less fatiguing than CFT and that when combining train types, VFT should be used first. Muscle Nerve 52 : 260–264, 2015