Electrical stimulation of denervated muscles: first results of a clinical study.
To evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation on denervated muscles in spinal cord injured humans, the EU Project RISE was started in 2001. The aims of this project are: to design and build sufficient stimulators; to develop stimulation protocols by means of mathematical models, animal experiments, and practice in humans with denervated lower limbs; to develop examination methods and devices for evaluation of electrical stimulation training effects; and to acquire basic scientific knowledge on denervated and stimulated denervated muscle. In the clinical study 27 spinal cord injured individuals were included, furthermore 13 pilot patients participated. After a series of initial examinations they underwent an electrical stimulation program for their denervated lower limb muscles. Some of the patients have already follow up examinations. A marked increase of muscle mass and quality was observed, the trophic situation of the denervated lower limbs had improved obviously.
Mödlin
Michaela
M
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria.
Forstner
Claudia
C
Hofer
Christian
C
Mayr
Winfried
W
Richter
Wolfgang
W
Carraro
Ugo
U
Protasi
Feliciano
F
Kern
Helmut
H
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009121:Muscle Denervation / Q000009:adverse effects; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome