Effects of electrical stimulation-induced gluteal versus gluteal and hamstring muscles activation on sitting pressure distribution in persons with a spinal cord injury

Study design:Ten participants underwent two electrical stimulation (ES) protocols applied using a custom-made electrode garment with built-in electrodes. Interface pressure was measured using a force-sensitive area. In one protocol, both the gluteal and hamstring (gh) muscles were activated, in the other gluteal (g) muscles only.Objectives:To study and compare the effects of electrically induced activation of gh muscles versus g muscles only on sitting pressure distribution in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:Ischial tuberosities interface pressure (ITs pressure) and pressure gradient.Results:In all participants, both protocols of g and gh ES-induced activation caused a significant decrease in IT pressure. IT pressure after gh muscles activation was reduced significantly by 34.5% compared with rest pressure, whereas a significant reduction of 10.2% after activation of g muscles only was found. Pressure gradient reduced significantly only after stimulation of gh muscles (49.3%). gh muscles activation showed a decrease in pressure relief (Δ IT) over time compared with g muscles only.Conclusion:Both protocols of surface ES-induced of g and gh activation gave pressure relief from the ITs. Activation of both gh muscles in SCI resulted in better IT pressure reduction in sitting individuals with a SCI than activation of g muscles only. ES might be a promising method in preventing pressure ulcers (PUs) on the ITs in people with SCI. Further research needs to show which pressure reduction is sufficient in preventing PUs. © 2012 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.