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Functional Electrical Stimulation in Paraplegic Spastic Patients
Author(s) -
Kern Helmut
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1594.1997.tb04651.x
Subject(s) - medicine , functional electrical stimulation , perfusion , spastic , quadriceps femoris muscle , anaerobic exercise , stimulation , skeletal muscle , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cardiology , anesthesia , physical therapy , isometric exercise , cerebral palsy
We are reporting on the clinical and physiological effects of 8 months offunctional electrical stimulation (FES) of the quadriceps femoris muscle on 10paraplegic patients. Each patient had muscle biopsies, computed tomography (CT)muscle diameter measurements, and knee extension strength testing both beforeand after 8 months of FES training. Skin perfusion was documented throughinfrared telethermography and xenon clearance; muscle perfusion was recordedthrough thallium scintigraphy. After 8 months of FES training, the baselineskin perfusion showed an 86% increase; muscle perfusion was augmentedby 87%. Muscle fiber diameters showed an average increase of 59%after 8 months of FES training. Muscles in patients with spastic paresis showedan increase in aerobic and anaerobic muscle enzymes up to the normal range ofhealthy humans. The increment in muscle area, as visible on CT scans of thequadriceps femoris muscle, was 30%. Using FES, we were able to improvemetabolism and to induce positive trophic changes in our patients' lowerextremities. In spastic paraplegics, rising and walking achieved through FESare much better training than FES ergometer training. Larger muscle masses areactivated, and the heart rate is increased; therefore, the impact oncardiovascular fitness and metabolism is much greater. This effectivelyaddresses and prevents the problems that result from inactivity in paraplegicpatients.