A new device combining mechanical stimulation of plantar sole and Achilles' tendon to alleviate the consequences of muscle deconditioning.
Limb immobilization or confinement to bed results in a severe atrophy and weakness of lower leg muscles. Full recovery of muscle strength and physical function is rare and may impact the patient's outcome. Studies performed on rodents have demonstrated that the deleterious structural and functional adaptations which occur during muscle deconditioning can be counteracted through adequate physiological stimuli. Thus, based on this fundamental work, we developed a device that combines mechanical stimulation of proprioceptors located in the plantar sole and Achilles' tendon. The device is adapted to patients immobilized and confined to bed. Stimulations can be applied on muscle in passive state. The protocol is non-invasive and is well accepted by patients. This paper presents the technical features of the device, as well as preliminary results of the first clinical study. This device might allow considering new therapeutic strategies for prevention of atrophy in many pathologies.
"Physical Activity, Muscle and Health" Laboratory, EA 6379, URePSSS, IFR 114, University Lille 1, Sciences et Technologies, 59650, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. marie-helene.canu@univ-lille1.fr.|University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France. marie-helene.canu@univ-lille1.fr.
Marie-Hélène
MH
Canu
"Physical Activity, Muscle and Health" Laboratory, EA 6379, URePSSS, IFR 114, University Lille 1, Sciences et Technologies, 59650, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.|University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France.
Fabrice
F
Fryziel
"Physical Activity, Muscle and Health" Laboratory, EA 6379, URePSSS, IFR 114, University Lille 1, Sciences et Technologies, 59650, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.|University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France.
Jean-Pierre
JP
Noel
"Physical Activity, Muscle and Health" Laboratory, EA 6379, URePSSS, IFR 114, University Lille 1, Sciences et Technologies, 59650, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.|University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France.|Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Lille University Hospital, 59000, Lille, France.
Vincent
V
Tiffreau
University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France.|Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Lille University Hospital, 59000, Lille, France.
Marc
M
Digumber
"Physical Activity, Muscle and Health" Laboratory, EA 6379, URePSSS, IFR 114, University Lille 1, Sciences et Technologies, 59650, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.|University Lille Nord de France, 59000, Lille, France.
Bruno
B
Bastide
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology*
Biomedical engineering; Mechanical stimulation; Rehabilitation; Therapeutic use