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Flodin J, Wallenius P, Guo L, Persson NK, Ackermann P. Wearable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Quadriceps Muscle Can Increase Venous Flow. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2873-2882. [PMID: 37598135 PMCID: PMC10632221 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the quadriceps (Q) may increase venous blood flow to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism. This study assessed whether Q-NMES pants could increase peak venous velocity (PVV) in the femoral vein using Doppler ultrasound and minimize discomfort. On 15 healthy subjects, Q-NMES using textile electrodes integrated in pants was applied with increasing intensity (mA) until the first visible muscle contraction [measurement level (ML)-I] and with an additional increase of six NMES levels (ML II). Discomfort using a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0-10) and PVV were used to assess different NMES parameters: frequency (1, 36, 66 Hz), ramp-up/-down time (RUD) (0, 1 s), plateau time (1.5, 4, and 6 s), and on:off duty cycle (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4). Q-NMES pants significantly increased PVV from baseline with 93% at ML I and 173% at ML II. Frequencies 36 Hz and 66 Hz and no RUD resulted in significantly higher PVV at both MLs compared to 1 Hz and 1 s RUD, respectively. Plateau time, and duty cycle did not significantly change PVV. Discomfort was only significantly higher with increasing intensity and frequency. Q-NMES pants produces intensity-dependent 2-3-fold increases of venous blood flow with minimal discomfort. The superior NMES parameters were a frequency of 36 Hz, 0 s RUD, and intensity at ML II. Textile-based NMES wearables are promising for non-episodic venous thromboembolism prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Flodin
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Philip Wallenius
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Li Guo
- Polymeric E-textiles Research Group, Swedish School of Textiles, Smart Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Nils-Krister Persson
- Polymeric E-textiles Research Group, Swedish School of Textiles, Smart Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Paul Ackermann
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sundström C, Juthberg R, Flodin J, Guo L, Persson NK, Ackermann PW. Effects on hemodynamic enhancement and discomfort of a new textile electrode integrated in a sock during calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:2013-2022. [PMID: 37145130 PMCID: PMC10460736 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare fixed transverse textile electrodes (TTE) knitted into a sock versus motor point placed standard gel electrodes (MPE) on peak venous velocity (PVV) and discomfort, during calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation (calf-NMES). METHODS Ten healthy participants received calf-NMES with increasing intensity until plantar flexion (measurement level I = ML I), and an additional mean 4 mA intensity (ML II), utilizing TTE and MPE. PVV was measured with Doppler ultrasound in the popliteal and femoral veins at baseline, ML I and II. Discomfort was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10). Significance was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS TTE and MPE both induced significant increases in PVV from baseline to ML I and significantly higher increases to ML II, in both the popliteal and femoral veins (all p < 0.001). The popliteal increases of PVV from baseline to both ML I and II were significantly higher with TTE versus MPE (p < 0.05). The femoral increases of PVV from baseline to both ML I and II were not significantly different between TTE and MPE. TTE versus MPE resulted at ML I in higher mA and NRS (p < 0.001), and at ML II in higher mA (p = 0.005) while NRS was not significantly different. CONCLUSION TTE integrated in a sock produces intensity-dependent increases of popliteal and femoral hemodynamics comparable to MPE, but results in more discomfort at plantar flexion due to higher current required. TTE exhibits in the popliteal vein higher increases of PVV compared to MPE. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial_ID: ISRCTN49260430. Date: 11/01/2022. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sundström
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Juthberg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Flodin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Guo
- Polymeric E- Textiles and Smart Textiles University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - N-K Persson
- Polymeric E- Textiles and Smart Textiles University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - P W Ackermann
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Juthberg R, Flodin J, Guo L, Rodriguez S, Persson NK, Ackermann PW. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in garments optimized for compliance. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1739-1748. [PMID: 37010623 PMCID: PMC10363034 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical inactivity is associated with muscle atrophy and venous thromboembolism, which may be prevented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). This study aimed to investigate the effect on discomfort, current amplitude and energy consumption when varying the frequency and phase duration of low-intensity NMES (LI-NMES) via a sock with knitting-integrated transverse textile electrodes (TTE). METHODS On eleven healthy participants (four females), calf-NMES via a TTE sock was applied with increasing intensity (mA) until ankle-plantar flexion at which point outcomes were compared when testing frequencies 1, 3, 10 and 36 Hz and phase durations 75, 150, 200, 300 and 400 µs. Discomfort was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) and energy consumption was calculated and expressed in milli-Joule (mJ). Significance set to p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS 1 Hz yielded a median (inter-quartile range) NRS of 2.4 (1.0-3.4), significantly lower than both 3 Hz with NRS 2.8 (1.8-4.2), and 10 Hz with NRS 3.4 (1.4-5.4) (both p ≤ .014). Each increase in tested frequency resulted in significantly higher energy consumption, e.g. 0.6 mJ (0.5-0.8) for 1 Hz vs 14.9 mJ (12.3-21.2) for 36 Hz (p = .003). Longer phase durations had no significant effect on discomfort despite generally requiring significantly lower current amplitudes. Phase durations 150, 200 and 400 µs required significantly lower energy consumption compared to 75 µs (all p ≤ .037). CONCLUSION LI-NMES applied via a TTE sock produces a relevant plantar flexion of the ankle with the best comfort and lowest energy consumption using 1 Hz and phase durations 150, 200 or 400 µs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Juthberg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - J Flodin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Guo
- Smart Textiles and Polymeric E-textiles, Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - S Rodriguez
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N K Persson
- Smart Textiles and Polymeric E-textiles, Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - P W Ackermann
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Schriwer E, Juthberg R, Flodin J, Ackermann PW. Motor point heatmap of the calf. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:28. [PMID: 36859293 PMCID: PMC9976413 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contractions of muscles in the calf induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may prevent venous thromboembolism, help rehabilitation and optimize strength training, among other uses. However, compliance to NMES-treatment is limited by the use of suboptimal stimulation points which may cause discomfort and less effectivity. Knowledge of where one is most likely to find muscle motor points (MP) could improve NMES comfort and compliance. AIMS To anatomically map the MPs of the calf as well as to calculate the probability of finding a MP in different areas of the calf. MATERIAL AND METHODS On 30 healthy participants (mean age 37 years) anatomical landmarks on the lower limbs were defined. The location of the four most responsive MPs on respectively the medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius were determined in relation to these anatomical landmarks using a MP search pen and a pre-set MP search program with 3 Hz continuous stimulation (Search range:4.0-17.5 mA). The anatomy of the calves was normalized and subdivided into a matrix of 48 (6 × 8) smaller areas (3 × 3 cm), from upper medial to lower lateral, in order to calculate the probability of finding a MP in one of these areas. The probability of finding a MP was then calculated for each area and presented with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The MP heatmap displayed a higher concentration of MPs proximally and centrally on the calf. However, there were wide inter-individual differences in the location of the MPs. The highest probability of finding a MP was in area 4, located centrally and medially, and in area 29, located centrolaterally and around the maximum circumference, both with 50% probability (95% CI: 0.31-0.69). The second highest probability of finding MPs was in areas 9, 10, 16, proximally and medially, all with 47% probability (95% CI: 0.28-0.66). These areas 4, 9, 10, 16 and 29 exhibited significantly higher probability of finding motor points than all areas with a mean probability of 27% and lower (p < 0.05) The lateral and distal outskirts exhibited almost zero probability of finding MPs. CONCLUSIONS This MP heatmap of the calf could be used to expedite electrode placement and to improve compliance in order to receive consistent and enhanced results of NMES treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Schriwer
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Juthberg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Flodin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul W Ackermann
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Xie H, Xu G, Huo C, Li W, Zhao H, Lv Z, Li Z. Brain Function Changes Induced by Intermittent Sequential Pneumatic Compression in Patients With Stroke as Assessed by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Phys Ther 2021; 101:6290099. [PMID: 34061206 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intermittent sequential pneumatic compression (ISPC) can effectively promote cerebral perfusion and collateral blood supply in patients with stroke. However, the effects of ISPC on cerebral oscillations are still unclear. METHODS The tissue concentration of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin oscillations were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy under resting and ISPC conditions in 27 right-handed adult patients with stroke. Five characteristic frequency signals (I, 0.6-2 Hz; II, 0.145-0.6 Hz; III, 0.052-0.145 Hz; IV, 0.021-0.052 Hz; and V, 0.0095-0.021 Hz) were identified using the wavelet method. The wavelet amplitude (WA) and laterality index (LI) were calculated to describe the frequency-specific cortical activities. RESULTS The ISPC state of patients with ischemic stroke showed significantly increased WA values of the ipsilesional motor cortex (MC) in the frequency intervals III (F37 = 8.017), IV (F37 = 6.347), and V (F37 = 5.538). There was no significant difference in the WA values in the ISPC state compared with the resting state in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Also, the LI values of the prefrontal cortex and MC in patients decreased more obviously in the ISPC state than in the resting state despite no significant difference. CONCLUSION The significantly increased WA values in the frequency intervals III, IV, and V in the MC of patients with ischemic stroke might be related to cortical activity in the MC in addition to increased cerebral perfusion. The decreased LI values in the prefrontal cortex and MC indicated that the ISPC may have had a positive effect on the functional rehabilitation of these regions. IMPACT This study provides a method for assessing the effects of ISPC on cerebral oscillations, and the results benefit the optimization of ISPC parameters in personalized treatment for the functional recovery of patients with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Gongcheng Xu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Congcong Huo
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Haihong Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Zeping Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China
| | - Zengyong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuro-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, China
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Gibbons TD, Zuj KA, Prince CN, Kingston DC, Peterson SD, Hughson RL. Haemodynamic and cerebrovascular effects of intermittent lower-leg compression as countermeasure to orthostatic stress. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:1790-1800. [PMID: 31578774 DOI: 10.1113/ep088077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does smartly timed intermittent compression of the lower legs alter cerebral blood velocity and oxygenation during acute orthostatic challenges? What is the main finding and its importance? Intermittent compression timed to the local diastolic phase increased the blood flux through the legs and heart after two different orthostatic stress tests. Cerebral blood velocity improved during the first minute of recovery, and indices of cerebral tissue oxygenation remained elevated for 2 min. These results provide promise for the use of lower-leg active compression as a therapeutic tool for individuals vulnerable to initial orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic stress. ABSTRACT Intermittent compression of the lower legs provides the possibility of improving orthostatic tolerance by actively promoting venous return and improving central haemodynamics. We tested the hypothesis that intermittent compression of 65 mmHg timed to occur only within the local diastolic phase of each cardiac cycle would attenuate the decrease in blood pressure and improve cerebral haemodynamics during the first minute of recovery from two different orthostatic stress tests. Fourteen subjects (seven female) performed four squat-to-stand transitions and four repeats of standing bilateral thigh-cuff occlusion and release (TCR), with intermittent compression of the lower legs applied in half of the trials. Blood flow in the superficial femoral artery, mean arterial pressure, Doppler ultrasound cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and cerebral tissue saturation index (TSI%) were monitored. With both orthostatic stress tests, there was a significant compression × time interaction for superficial femoral artery flow (P < 0.001). The hypotensive state was attenuated with intermittent compression despite decreased total peripheral resistance (squat-to-stand, compression × time interaction, P < 0.001; TCR, compression × time interaction, P = 0.002) as a consequence of elevated cardiac output in both tests (P < 0.001). Intermittent compression also increased MCAv (P = 0.001) and TSI% (P < 0.001) during the squat-to-stand transition and during TCR (MCAv and TSI%, compression × time interaction, P < 0.001). Intermittent compression of the lower legs during quiet standing after an active orthostatic challenge augmented local, central and cerebral haemodynamics, providing potential as a therapeutic tool for individuals vulnerable to orthostatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis D Gibbons
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Zuj
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Chekema N Prince
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - David C Kingston
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sean D Peterson
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Richard L Hughson
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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A Better Way to Decrease Knee Swelling in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial. Pain Res Manag 2019; 2019:8514808. [PMID: 31191790 PMCID: PMC6525802 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8514808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this study, we compared the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression along with conventional treatment with cold-pack treatment along with conventional treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Eighty-nine patients with knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. One group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and cold packs. The second group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Range of motion, muscle strength, knee swelling, pain intensity, and functional status were measured at baseline and 4th week. Results We found significant improvements in range of motion, muscle strength, pain intensity, and functional status after the treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). When comparing the effects of these two treatment programs, it was observed that the intermittent pneumatic compression treatment group had a better outcome in terms of knee swelling (p=0.028). Conclusions According to the results, we could report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in addition to conventional treatment has significant positive effects on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We could also report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy along with conventional treatment is superior to cold-pack therapy along with conventional treatment in terms of knee swelling in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered with NCT03806322.
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