Electrical stimulation alters muscle morphological properties in denervated upper limb muscles

EBioMedicine, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103737 · Published: December 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Damage to nerves can cause muscles to weaken and waste away. This study looked at whether electrical stimulation could help improve the condition of these muscles in the arms and hands of people with spinal cord injuries. The study found that electrical stimulation increased the thickness and angle of the muscle fibers in the treated muscles. This suggests that electrical stimulation could be a useful tool for maintaining muscle health in people with nerve damage.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

22 patients with spinal cord injury and tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Prospective interventional study

Key Findings

1
Muscle thickness (MT) of the 1st Dorsal Interosseus (IOD1) increased significantly from 6.3 mm to 9.2 mm (p = 0.004).
2
Pennation angle (PA) of the IOD1 also increased significantly from 5.5° to 11° (p = 0.001).
3
Similar increases in MT and PA were observed in the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) muscle.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of direct electrical stimulation (ES) on denervated forearm and hand muscles in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and tetraplegia. The results showed that 12 weeks of direct muscle stimulation increases the muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA) of the denervated intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles studied. The study suggests that direct muscle stimulation is a safe and beneficial treatment option for denervated upper extremity muscles and could preserve muscle structures for potential reinnervation.

Practical Implications

Preserving Muscle Structure

Early electrical stimulation can help maintain the structure of denervated muscles, making them more suitable for future treatments.

Extending Surgical Window

Electrical stimulation can potentially extend the time available for nerve transfer surgery without compromising the outcome.

Improving Outcomes of Nerve Transfers

Preconditioning denervated muscles with electrical stimulation before nerve transfer surgery may improve the success rate of the surgery.

Electrical stimulation alters muscle morphological properties in denervated upper limb muscles

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Preserving Muscle Structure

Extending Surgical Window

Improving Outcomes of Nerve Transfers

Study Limitations

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Electrical stimulation alters muscle morphological properties in denervated upper limb muscles

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Preserving Muscle Structure

Extending Surgical Window

Improving Outcomes of Nerve Transfers

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?