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Electrical Stimulation of Denervated Muscles: First Results of a Clinical Study
Author(s) -
Mödlin Michaela,
Forstner Claudia,
Hofer Christian,
Mayr Winfried,
Richter Wolfgang,
Carraro Ugo,
Protasi Feliciano,
Kern Helmut
Publication year - 2005
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.1525-1594.2005.29035.x
Subject(s) - stimulation , medicine , functional electrical stimulation , spinal cord , denervation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , leg muscle , clinical practice , anesthesia , physical therapy , anatomy , psychiatry
To evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation on denervated muscles in spinal cord injured humans, the EU Project RISE was started in 2001. The aims of this project are: to design and build sufficient stimulators; to develop stimulation protocols by means of mathematical models, animal experiments, and practice in humans with denervated lower limbs; to develop examination methods and devices for evaluation of electrical stimulation training effects; and to acquire basic scientific knowledge on denervated and stimulated denervated muscle. In the clinical study 27 spinal cord injured individuals were included, furthermore 13 pilot patients participated. After a series of initial examinations they underwent an electrical stimulation program for their denervated lower limb muscles. Some of the patients have already follow up examinations. A marked increase of muscle mass and quality was observed, the trophic situation of the denervated lower limbs had improved obviously.