Optimal neuromuscular electrical stimulation parameters after spinal cord injury

This study investigates how different settings of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) affect muscle strength and fatigue in people with and without spinal cord injuries (SCI). NMES is used to activate muscles after SCI, but it can cause fatigue, limiting its use. The researchers looked at how changing pulse duration and frequency impacts muscle force and fatigue. They found that a higher total pulse charge (a combination of pulse duration and frequency) generally leads to greater muscle force in both groups. People with SCI experienced more muscle fatigue than those without SCI, regardless of the stimulation frequency. The study suggests using longer pulse durations with lower frequencies to maximize force production for individuals with SCI.

• 1
  A statistically significant linear trend was found between pulse charge and isometric torque production in both groups, with higher pulse charge resulting in higher torque.
• 2
  Participants with SCI showed significantly greater muscle fatigue compared to those without SCI for both fatigue protocols.
• 3
  Longer pulse durations with lower frequencies tend to produce greater torque than shorter pulse durations with higher frequencies, especially in participants without SCI.