Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare maximal evoked torque, discomfort, and fatigue-related
outcomes between multipath neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and
conventional NMES of the quadriceps muscle in patients with total knee
arthroplasty (TKA). DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, crossover study with 2
experimental sessions (multipath NMES, conventional NMES). SETTING: Research
laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=20; mean age, 68y) 6 to 12 months after TKA
surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We quantified NMES-evoked
knee extension torque at the maximally tolerated current intensity, self-reported
discomfort, and fatigue induced by NMES intermittent contractions in both
conditions. RESULTS: Compared with conventional NMES, multipath NMES resulted in
higher evoked torque (33%, P<.001), lower discomfort scores (-39%, P<.001), and
less quadriceps muscle fatigue (P=.034). CONCLUSIONS: The use of multiple current
pathways distributed to large electrodes allowed multipath NMES to generate
stronger contractions and reduce discomfort and fatigue compared with
conventional NMES. Therefore, multipath NMES has the potential to be more
effective than conventional NMES.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS