Pulse Width Does Not Influence the Gains Achieved With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Double-Blind, Randomized Trial

doi:10.1177/1545968317753681

Paper

Pulse Width Does Not Influence the Gains Achieved With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Double-Blind, Randomized Trial

Published Jan 24, 2018 · Awad M. Almuklass, Leah A. Davis, Landon Hamilton

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair

Q1 SJR score

12

Citations

1

Influential Citations

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Semantic Scholar

Abstract

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) eventually compromises the walking ability of most individuals burdened with the disease. Treatment with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can restore some functional abilities in persons with MS, but its effectiveness may depend on stimulus-pulse duration. Objective. To compare the effects of a 6-week intervention with narrow- or wide-pulse NMES on walking performance, neuromuscular function, and disability status of persons with relapsing-remitting MS. Methods. Individuals with MS (52.6 ± 7.4 years) were randomly assigned to either the narrow-pulse (n = 13) or wide-pulse (n = 14) group. The NMES intervention was performed on the dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles of both legs (10 minutes each muscle, 4 s on and 12 s off) at a tolerable level for 18 sessions across 6 weeks. Outcomes were obtained before (week 0) and after (week 7) the intervention and 4 weeks later (week 11). Results. There was no influence of stimulus-pulse duration on the outcomes (P > .05); thus, the data were collapsed across groups. The NMES intervention improved (P < .05) gait speed and walking endurance, dorsiflexor strength in the more-affected leg, plantar flexor strength in the less-affected leg, force control for plantar flexors in the less-affected leg, and self-reported levels of fatigue and walking limitations. Conclusion. There was no influence of stimulus-pulse duration on the primary outcomes (gait speed and walking endurance). The 6-week NMES intervention applied to the lower leg muscles of persons with mild to moderate levels of disability can improve their walking performance and provide some symptom relief.

RCT

Very Rigorous Journal

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayNMES intervention improves walking performance and provides symptom relief in individuals with multiple sclerosis, regardless of stimulus-pulse duration.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

Pulse Width Does Not Influence the Gains Achieved With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Double-Blind, Randomized Trial

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References

Citations

Interventions to improve outdoor mobility among people living with disabilities: A systematic review

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Does Not Influence Spinal Excitability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Is Cerebellar Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation an Appropriate Locomotor Intervention for People with Multiple Sclerosis?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation modulates corticospinal excitability while preserving motor unit discharge properties during isometric contractions

Distinguishing between Fatigue and Fatigability in Multiple Sclerosis

Neurophysiological impairments in multiple sclerosis—Central and peripheral motor pathways

Force control during submaximal isometric contractions is associated with walking performance in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Electrical Stimulation of Muscle: Electrophysiology and Rehabilitation.