Electrical stimulation-induced Gluteal and Hamstring muscle activation can reduce sitting pressure in individuals with a spinal cord injury

T. W J Janssen*, A. De Koning, K. J A Legemate, C. A J Smit

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk of developing pressure sores, in part due to high sitting pressures under the buttocks. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ES-induced activation of the gluteal and hamstring muscles on the sitting pressure in individuals with SCI. METHODS: Five men with SCI received ES in their own daily-use wheelchair while sitting pressure under the buttocks was measured. The subjects wore a Bioshort (Bioflex Inc.) with built-in electrodes. Two 3-hr protocols were randomly applied, both consisting of 3 min of stimulation (all muscles simultaneously activated) followed by 17 min rest. Prot. A had a 1s:1s and prot. B a 1s:4s on-off duty cycle. Peak pressure under the buttocks and pressure gradient were calculated. RESULTS: For both protocols, peak pressure decreased (p<0.05) from 183±13 (A) and 179±14 (B) during rest to 168±17 (A) and 147±24 (B) mmHg during the 3-hr stimulation periods. The pressure gradient tended (p<0.1) to decrease for both protocols indicating an improved pressure distribution. Prot. B showed in general superior effects. CONCLUSIONS: ES-induced activation of the gluteal and hamstring muscles in sitting individuals with SCI causes a temporary decrease in peak sitting pressure under the buttocks and an improved pressure distribution.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRehabilitation
Subtitle of host publicationMobility, Exercise and Sports. 4th International State-of-theArt Congress
Pages332-334
Number of pages3
Volume26
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Publication series

NameAssistive Technology Research Series
Volume26
ISSN (Print)1383-813X
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8071

Keywords

  • electrical stimulation
  • pressures sores
  • spinal cord injury

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