Effect of an electric stimulation facilitation program on quadriceps motor unit recruitment after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To compare maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) and motor unit recruitment of the quadriceps after an electric stimulation facilitation program in persons affected by cerebrovascular accident (CVA).


METHODS
Three-week, randomized controlled trial with an electric stimulation facilitation program added to standard care.


METHODS
Inpatient rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Twenty patients receiving rehabilitation for first-time CVA (51.8+/-15.2 y; days post-CVA, 38.4+/-40.0 d). Patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups.


METHODS
All patients received standard physical therapy (PT) care. In addition, the study group received an electric stimulation facilitation program during weight-bearing and ambulatory activities of the PT program.


METHODS
MVIT and motor unit recruitment measured by interpolated twitch testing. A 2 x 4 repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed on measurements at 4 intervals: pretest, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks.


RESULTS
MVIT increased by 77% in patients receiving electric stimulation, compared with a 31% increase for the control group. There was a significant effect for assessment time only. Motor unit recruitment increased from 35% to 53% for the study group, whereas the control group recorded no change in recruitment ability. A significant interaction was recorded, indicating improved motor unit recruitment for the study group.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief and dynamic electric stimulation facilitation program significantly improved motor unit recruitment in persons after CVA.
Newsam
Craig J
CJ
Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downy, CA, USA.
Baker
Lucinda L
LL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013848:Thigh; D019415:Torque; D016896:Treatment Outcome