12 weeks daily gluteal and hamstring electrical stimulation improves vascular structure and function, limb volume and sitting pressure in spinal cord injury: A pilot feasibility study

Barton, T, Low, DA, Thijssen, DHJ, Romviel, S, Sloots, M, Smit, C and Janssen, T (2021) 12 weeks daily gluteal and hamstring electrical stimulation improves vascular structure and function, limb volume and sitting pressure in spinal cord injury: A pilot feasibility study. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. ISSN 0894-9115

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Abstract

Objective: We examined the long-term effects of low-intensity electrical stimulation (ES) on (micro)vasculature and sitting pressure of a home-based, wearable ES device in a pilot feasibility study. Design: In a cohort observation before-after trial, 9 middle-aged male (n=8) and female (n=1) individuals (48±15 y) with ASIA A-C classified chronic (1-24y) SCI underwent 12-wk of self-administered daily, low-intensity gluteal and hamstring ES [50Hz, 6 hrs (30min ES, 15min rest)]. Common femoral artery (CFA) diameter and blood blow were determined with ultrasound, skin vascular function during local heating was assessed using Laser-Doppler flowmetry, thigh volume was estimated using leg circumferences and skinfolds, and interface sitting pressure was measured using pressure-mapping. Results: Resting CFA diameter increased (0.73±0.20 to 0.79±0.22cm, P<0.001), baseline CFA blood flow increased (0.28±0.12 to 0.40±0.15 L/min, P<0.002). Gluteal cutaneous vascular conductance showed a time*temperature interaction (P=0.01) with higher conductance at 42°C after 12 weeks. Ischial peak pressure decreased (P=0.003) by 32±23mmHg and pressure gradient decreased (23±7 to 16±6 mmHg, P=0.007). Thigh volume increased (+19%, P=0.01). Conclusion: Twelve weeks daily, home-based gluteal and hamstring ES is feasible and effective to improve (micro)vasculature and sitting pressure and ES may have clinical implications for ameliorating pressure ulcers and (micro)vascular complications in SCI.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an Accepted Version of the following article and not the final published version. The VOR can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001929
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1103 Clinical Sciences, 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Date of acceptance:	5 November 2021
Date of first compliant Open Access:	15 November 2022
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2021 15:14
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2022 00:50
DOI or ID number:	10.1097/PHM.0000000000001929
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15749

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