title: Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Lower Extremity Training in Myotonic Dystrophy Type I: A Pilot Controlled Study.
abstract: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a new rehabilitative approach that combines electrical stimulation with a functional task. This pilot study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of FES lower extremity training in myotonic dystrophy type 1.
  
  
  
  This is a controlled pilot study that enrolled 20 patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 over 2 years. Eight patients (age, 39-67 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four participants performed FES cycling training for 15 days (one daily session of 30 minutes for 5 days a week). A control group, matched for clinical and genetic variables, who had contraindications to electrical stimulation, performed 6 weeks of conventional resistance and aerobic training. The modified Medical Research Council Scale and functional assessments were performed before and after treatment. Cohen d effect size was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  
  Functional electrical stimulation induced lower extremity training was well tolerated and resulted in a greater improvement of tibialis anterior muscle strength (d = 1,583), overall muscle strength (d = 1,723), and endurance (d = 0,626) than conventional training.
  
  
  
  Functional electrical stimulation might be considered a safe and valid tool to improve muscle function, also in muscles severely compromised in which no other restorative options are available. Confirmation of FES efficacy through further clinical trials is strongly advised.
authors.affiliation: From the IRCCS San Camillo Hospital Foundation, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cudia
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weis
authors.forename: Alfonc
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baba
authors.forename: Pawel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kiper
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marcante
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Corrado
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Angelini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piccione
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000072797:Walking Speed