Neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling exercise for persons with advanced multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling modified to suit persons with advanced multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
Eight women with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
Subjects participated in an 18-session (40 min) neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling program. A pedaling cadence of 10 rev•min-1 was employed and stimulation intensity was not modulated to control cadence, but increased gradually throughout each session. The outcomes included the stimulation intensity tolerated, thigh circumference changes, and power output and cardiorespiratory response during cycling. Participants were interviewed about perceived benefits of the treatment including changes in transfer ability.


RESULTS
Seven participants (Expanded Disability Status Scale 6.5-8.5) (mean 7.4 (standard deviation 0.7)) completed the training program over an average of 10 weeks. Greater stimulation intensities were tolerated than previously reported for persons with multiple sclerosis. Increases were found in thigh volume. Perceived benefits included improvements in transfer ability, leg circulation, spasticity and strength.


CONCLUSIONS
Modifying neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling allowed persons with advanced multiple sclerosis to tolerate greater stimulation intensities and exercise their muscles more intensely than previous studies. The benefits reported, which were solely due to neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling, demonstrate that persons with preserved sensation and muscle paralysis/paresis might benefit from neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise when it is adjusted appropriately.
Exercise Health and Performance Faculty Research Group, University of Sydney , , NSW 1824 Sydney, Australia. che.fornusek@sydney.edu.au, cfornuse@mail.usyd.edu.au.
Ché
C
Fornusek
Phu
P
Hoang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult