Article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) eventually compromises the walking ability of
most individuals burdened with the disease. Treatment with neuromuscular
electrical stimulation (NMES) can restore some functional abilities in persons
with MS, but its effectiveness may depend on stimulus-pulse duration. OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effects of a 6-week intervention with narrow- or wide-pulse NMES
on walking performance, neuromuscular function, and disability status of persons
with relapsing-remitting MS. METHODS: Individuals with MS (52.6 +/- 7.4 years)
were randomly assigned to either the narrow-pulse (n = 13) or wide-pulse (n = 14)
group. The NMES intervention was performed on the dorsiflexor and plantar flexor
muscles of both legs (10 minutes each muscle, 4 s on and 12 s off) at a tolerable
level for 18 sessions across 6 weeks. Outcomes were obtained before (week 0) and
after (week 7) the intervention and 4 weeks later (week 11). RESULTS: There was
no influence of stimulus-pulse duration on the outcomes ( P > .05); thus, the
data were collapsed across groups. The NMES intervention improved ( P < .05) gait
speed and walking endurance, dorsiflexor strength in the more-affected leg,
plantar flexor strength in the less-affected leg, force control for plantar
flexors in the less-affected leg, and self-reported levels of fatigue and walking
limitations. CONCLUSION: There was no influence of stimulus-pulse duration on the
primary outcomes (gait speed and walking endurance). The 6-week NMES intervention
applied to the lower leg muscles of persons with mild to moderate levels of
disability can improve their walking performance and provide some symptom relief.

Langue : ANGLAIS