Article

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury
(SCI). Electrical stimulation (ES) activates muscles and might reduce risk
factors. Our objectives were to study and compare the effects of two duty cycles
during 3 h of ES-induced gluteal and hamstring activation on interface pressure
distribution in sitting individuals with SCI and study the usability of a newly
developed electrode garment (ES shorts). Ten individuals with SCI participated in
this study, in which two ES protocols with different duty cycles (1:1 s vs 1:4 s
on-off) were applied in counterbalanced order using a custom-made garment with
built-in electrodes. Outcome variables included interface pressure of the ischial
tuberosities (ITs) and pressure gradient. A questionnaire was used to determine
usability of the ES shorts. In both protocols, ES caused a significant decrease
in average IT pressure compared with rest (no ES); on average, 35% for protocol
1:4 and 13% for protocol 1:1. The ES on-off duty cycle of protocol 1:4 showed
less muscle fatigue. In general, participants scored the usability of the ES
shorts as satisfactory. In this study, the application of ES resulted in a
significant decrease in IT pressure. The ES on-off duty cycle of 1:4 s is
recommended because of the less fatiguing effect. ES of the hamstrings and
gluteal muscles might be a promising method in preventing PUs, but further study
is needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS