Effects of once weekly NMES training on knee extensors fatigue and body composition in a person with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000293 · Published: January 1, 2016

Simple Explanation

This study looked at the impact of doing neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) resistance training (RT) once a week on the fatigue resistance and body composition of someone with a spinal cord injury (SCI). NMES uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles. The researchers wanted to know if training once a week could still lead to positive changes in body composition and improve fatigue resistance, similar to training twice a week. They focused on the muscles that extend the knee. The study found that training once a week increased the lean mass in the legs and improved the strength and fatigue resistance of the knee extensor muscles. However, it didn't have positive effects on body composition in other areas of the body.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Single-subject case (male, 33 years of age, T6 SCI AIS A)

Evidence Level

Level 4, Single-subject case study

Key Findings

1
Once weekly NMES RT increased leg lean mass (LM) by >6%.
2
The participant lost 5% of lean mass and gained 13% of total fat mass (FM) in other regions of the body.
3
The right knee extensors showed greater strength and fatigue resistance compared to the left knee extensors.

Research Summary

The study investigated the effect of reducing NMES RT frequency to once weekly on body composition and knee extensor strength in a person with chronic complete SCI. Results showed that once weekly NMES RT increased leg LM, strength, and fatigue resistance of knee extensors, but did not positively impact regional or total FM or LM in other body areas. The researchers suggest that this training paradigm can be used for detraining or home-based interventions to maintain regional adaptations in leg LM and ensure long-term commitment after NMES intervention cessation.

Practical Implications

Detraining Strategy

Once weekly NMES RT can be used as a detraining strategy to maintain leg lean mass after cessation of a more intensive NMES training program.

Home-Based Intervention

The once-weekly protocol can be implemented as a home-based intervention to ensure long-term commitment to exercise and maintain regional adaptations in leg lean mass.

Rehabilitation Program Design

Clinicians can consider incorporating a once-weekly NMES RT protocol into rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI to improve leg muscle strength and fatigue resistance while potentially addressing long-term compliance.

Study Limitations

1
Single case report limits generalizability.
2
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not acquired.
3
Metabolic profile (glucose, insulin, or lipid panel) and pain level were not evaluated.

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