title: The effect of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated people with spinal cord injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study effects of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  One session in which alternating and simultaneous surface electric stimulation protocols were applied in random order.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research laboratory of a rehabilitation center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen subjects with SCI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interface pressure, maximum pressure, pressure spread, and pressure gradient for the stimulation measurement. Variables were compared using 2-tailed paired t tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Alternating and simultaneous stimulation protocol caused a significant (P<.01) decrease in interface pressure (-17+/-12 mmHg, -19+/-14 mmHg) and pressure gradient (-12+/-11 mmHg, -14+/-12 mmHg) during stimulation periods compared with rest periods. There was no significant difference in effects between the 2 protocols.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles in persons with SCI causes a decrease in interface pressure. This might restore blood flow in compressed tissue and help prevent pressure ulcers.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van Londen
authors.forename: Mariska
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herwegh
authors.forename: Carlijn H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: van der Zee
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Daffertshofer
authors.forename: Christof A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Smit
authors.forename: Annelieke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Niezen
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Janssen