Effects of sustained electrical stimulation on spasticity assessed by the pendulum test

Neuromodulation using electrical stimulation is able to enhance motor control of individuals suffering an upper motor neuron disorder. This work examined the effect of sustained electrical stimulation to modify spasticity in the leg muscles. We applied transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with a p...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vargas Luna José L., Guðfinnsdóttir Halla K., Magnúsdóttir Gígja, Guðmundsdóttir Vilborg, Krenn Matthias, Mayr Winfried, Ludvigsdóttir Guðbjörg K., Helgason Thordur
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2016-09-01
Series:Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2016-0090
Description
Summary:Neuromodulation using electrical stimulation is able to enhance motor control of individuals suffering an upper motor neuron disorder. This work examined the effect of sustained electrical stimulation to modify spasticity in the leg muscles. We applied transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with a pulse rate of 50 Hz for 30 min. The subjects were assessed before and after the intervention using in a pendulum test setup. The motion of the free swinging leg was acquired through video tracking and goniometer measurements. The quantification was done through the R2n index which shows consistency identifying the spasticity levels. In all incomplete SCI subjects having severe spasticity, the results show that electrical stimulation is effective to modify the increased muscle tone.
ISSN:2364-5504