Electrical stimulation: Eight self-adhesive 7x13 cm oval carbon electrodes were adhered to the skin over the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (four electrodes per leg). These muscles were selected because of their ease of access, clinical importance, and large size, which we reasoned would yield the greatest potential for altering energy expenditure. The distal margin of the distal quadriceps electrode was placed over the distal-most palpable border of the vastus lateralis. The proximal quadriceps electrode was positioned as close to the inguinal crease as possible, with the medial electrode margin lateral to the adductor muscle group. The distal margin of the distal hamstrings electrode was placed over the biceps femoris and semitendinosus,
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The major findings of this study are as follows: 1) the lowest stimulation frequency (1 Hz) most effectively increased energy expenditure in human paralyzed muscle, when normalized across a fixed number of stimulus pulses; 2) energy expenditure during electrical stimulation is not modulated by a systemic sympathetic response (HR), 3) the highest stimulation intensity (100 mA) most effectively increased energy expenditure, and 4) individual factors such as increased BMI and VAT attenuate energy expenditure response to electrical …show more content…
For example, strategic neuromuscular electrical stimulation of muscles allows people with SCI to cycle or row. However, the high cost and typical absence of insurance coverage for FES systems make them an unfeasible option for at-home use for most people with SCI. Training at a rehabilitation facility equipped with an FES system is an alternative, but engaging in routine training outside of the home adds logistical challenges with transportation and scheduling. An added difficulty with training via FES is that high muscle forces may carry a risk for fracture in individuals with post-SCI osteoporosis. FES approaches that generate high forces must be carefully monitored to avoid this possibility. By contrast, training with low-frequency, low-force stimulation may offer a path to mitigate the metabolic consequences of SCI without exposing participants to the risks of traditional FES.
Current research in sedentary adults supports that this type of long-duration training may be of particular metabolic value. Regular low-intensity physical activity throughout the day has been shown to have greater systemic health benefits compared with performing short-duration, high-intensity exercise. Insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid levels improved more with frequent low-intensity activity compared with shorter duration exercise of high intensity.
6. Chen, Henson,
The major findings of this study are as follows: 1) the lowest stimulation frequency (1 Hz) most effectively increased energy expenditure in human paralyzed muscle, when normalized across a fixed number of stimulus pulses; 2) energy expenditure during electrical stimulation is not modulated by a systemic sympathetic response (HR), 3) the highest stimulation intensity (100 mA) most effectively increased energy expenditure, and 4) individual factors such as increased BMI and VAT attenuate energy expenditure response to electrical …show more content…
For example, strategic neuromuscular electrical stimulation of muscles allows people with SCI to cycle or row. However, the high cost and typical absence of insurance coverage for FES systems make them an unfeasible option for at-home use for most people with SCI. Training at a rehabilitation facility equipped with an FES system is an alternative, but engaging in routine training outside of the home adds logistical challenges with transportation and scheduling. An added difficulty with training via FES is that high muscle forces may carry a risk for fracture in individuals with post-SCI osteoporosis. FES approaches that generate high forces must be carefully monitored to avoid this possibility. By contrast, training with low-frequency, low-force stimulation may offer a path to mitigate the metabolic consequences of SCI without exposing participants to the risks of traditional FES.
Current research in sedentary adults supports that this type of long-duration training may be of particular metabolic value. Regular low-intensity physical activity throughout the day has been shown to have greater systemic health benefits compared with performing short-duration, high-intensity exercise. Insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid levels improved more with frequent low-intensity activity compared with shorter duration exercise of high intensity.
6. Chen, Henson,