Article

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate alterations in
body composition variables and spasticity following subtetanic neuromuscular
electrical stimulation (NMES) training in an adult population with spinal cord
injury (SCI). Fourteen sedentary adults with SCI (thoracic [T]4-T11; American
Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A/B; time since injury: 10.17 +/-
11.17 yr) were recruited from the National SCI database. Four adhesive electrodes
(175 cm2 each) were placed bilaterally on the proximal and distal quadriceps and
hamstrings muscle groups and subtetanic contractions were elicited using a
handheld NMES device. Lean body mass (LBM) and other body composition variables
were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Spasticity was measured
using the Spinal Cord Assessment Tool for Spastic Reflexes (SCATs) and visual
analog scales. Verbal and written feedback was obtained to subjectively evaluate
spasticity. LBM and spasticity measurements were taken before and after an 8 wk
NMES training program in order to assess change. A statistically significant
increase in lower-limb LBM, i.e., muscle tissue (p > 0.001), and a reduction in
SCATs (p < 0.001) score, indicating reduced spasticity, was observed. Subjective
responses were positive. Improvements in body composition and SCATs scores
indicate that subtetanic NMES training elicits favorable responses and may have
important clinical implications for an SCI population.

Langue : ANGLAIS