Functional neuromuscular stimulation in 4 patients with complete paraplegia.
The effect of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) on muscle strength and endurance was studied in 3 patients with long-standing complete injuries (T7-T12) and in 1 patient with a recent complete injury (T5). All 4 patients became strong enough to rise, stand and to walk a few steps within parallel bars. However, only 1 patient was able to walk without parallel bars (60 m). The energy demand of FNS-assisted walking was measured to be more than 60% of the maximal endurance capacity of this patient. This finding partly explains the low patient acceptance of FNS.
Hjeltnes
N
N
Sunnaas Hospital, Nesoddtangen, Norway.
Lannem
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003446:Crutches; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000150:complications; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D016138:Walking