1
|
Lippi L, Ferrillo M, Losco L, Folli A, Marcasciano M, Curci C, Moalli S, Ammendolia A, de Sire A, Invernizzi M. Aesthetic Rehabilitation Medicine: Enhancing Wellbeing beyond Functional Recovery. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:603. [PMID: 38674249 PMCID: PMC11052208 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Although rehabilitation medicine emphasizes a holistic health approach, there is still a large gap of knowledge about potential interventions aimed at improving overall wellbeing through cosmetic interventions. Therefore, this narrative review investigates the role of different rehabilitative techniques in enhancing aesthetics, quality of life, and psychosocial wellbeing for patients with disabilities. The study follows the SANRA framework quality criteria for a narrative review. Literature searches across PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus identified articles focusing on rehabilitation strategies within the aesthetic rehabilitation domain. The review identified evidence supporting injection procedures, such as Botulinum Toxin, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, Ozone, and Carboxytherapy, and assessing their applications in several disabling disorders. Additionally, physical therapies like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Laser Therapy, Microcurrent Therapy, Tecar Therapy, and physical exercises were explored for their impact on cutaneous microcirculation, cellulite treatment, wound healing, and scar appearance improvement. Lastly, the manuscript underlines the role of manual therapy techniques in addressing both physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns, discussing their effectiveness in adipose tissue therapy, scar tissue mobilization, and regional fat thickness reduction. Taken together, this review emphasizes the role of a multidisciplinary approach, aiming to provide valuable insights into potential benefits for both functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lippi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (A.F.); (S.M.); (M.I.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Martina Ferrillo
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Luigi Losco
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 43, 84081 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Arianna Folli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (A.F.); (S.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Marco Marcasciano
- Plastic Surgery, Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Claudio Curci
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moalli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (A.F.); (S.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (A.F.); (S.M.); (M.I.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kong J, Teng C, Liu F, Wang X, Zhou Y, Zong Y, Wan Z, Qin J, Yu B, Mi D, Wang Y. Enhancing regeneration and repair of long-distance peripheral nerve defect injuries with continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1361590. [PMID: 38406586 PMCID: PMC10885699 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1361590] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peripheral nerve injuries, especially those involving long-distance deficits, pose significant challenges in clinical repair. This study explores the potential of continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (cMENS) as an adjunctive strategy to promote regeneration and repair in such cases. Methods The study initially optimized cMENS parameters and assessed its impact on Schwann cell activity, neurotrophic factor secretion, and the nerve regeneration microenvironment. Subsequently, a rat sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair model was employed to evaluate the reparative effects of cMENS as an adjuvant treatment. Functional recovery was assessed through gait analysis, motor function tests, and nerve conduction assessments. Additionally, nerve regeneration and denervated muscle atrophy were observed through histological examination. Results The study identified a 10-day regimen of 100uA microcurrent stimulation as optimal. Evaluation focused on Schwann cell activity and the microenvironment, revealing the positive impact of cMENS on maintaining denervated Schwann cell proliferation and enhancing neurotrophic factor secretion. In the rat model of sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair, cMENS demonstrated superior effects compared to control groups, promoting motor function recovery, nerve conduction, and sensory and motor neuron regeneration. Histological examinations revealed enhanced maturation of regenerated nerve fibers and reduced denervated muscle atrophy. Discussion While cMENS shows promise as an adjuvant treatment for long-distance nerve defects, future research should explore extended stimulation durations and potential synergies with tissue engineering grafts to improve outcomes. This study contributes comprehensive evidence supporting the efficacy of cMENS in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Kong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Cheng Teng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fenglan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuzhaoyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Zong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zixin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Daguo Mi
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Combination Therapy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Microcurrent in Muscle Regeneration on Cast-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Rabbit. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7469452. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/7469452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate how polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and microcurrent therapy (MT) functioned synergistically in a cast-immobilized rabbit model with an atrophied calf muscle. Methods. At the age of 12 weeks, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were enrolled in four groups. After 2 weeks of cast-immobilization, 4 procedures were performed on atrophied calf muscle [weekly two injections normal saline 0.2 ml injection group 1 (G1-NS), weekly two injections 0.2 ml PDRN injection group 2 (G2-PDRN), MT group 3 (G3-MT), and 0.2 ml PDRN injection with MT group 4 (G4-PDRN+MT)]. For 2 weeks, MT was used for 60 minutes each day. The calf circumference (CC), the thickness of gastrocnemius muscle (TGCM), and the tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP) were evaluated using ultrasound before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) of GCM fibers (type I, type II, and total) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA. Results. The mean atrophic alterations of right CC, CMAP, and TGCM (medial/lateral) were substantially lower in G4-PDRN+MT than in the G1-NS, G2-PDRN, and G3-MT, respectively (
). Furthermore, mean CSAs (type I, type II, and total) of medial and lateral GCM muscle fibers in G4-PDRN+MT were significantly higher when compared to other three groups (
). In terms of the PCNA-, VEGF-, and PECAM-1-positive cell ratio of medial and lateral GCM muscle fibers, G4-PDRN+MT was considerably higher than G1-NS, G2-PDRN, and G3-MT (
). Conclusions. On the atrophied calf muscle of the rabbit model, PDRN injection combined with MT was more effective than PDRN injection alone, MT alone, and normal saline injection separately.
Collapse
|
4
|
Effect of Massage Therapy in Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway on Retarding Denervated Muscle Atrophy in Rabbits. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
5
|
Ravalli S, Federico C, Lauretta G, Saccone S, Pricoco E, Roggio F, Di Rosa M, Maugeri G, Musumeci G. Morphological Evidence of Telocytes in Skeletal Muscle Interstitium of Exercised and Sedentary Rodents. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070807. [PMID: 34356871 PMCID: PMC8301487 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy, resulting from states of hypokinesis or immobilization, leads to morphological, metabolic, and functional changes within the muscle tissue, a large variety of which are supported by the stromal cells populating the interstitium. Telocytes represent a recently discovered population of stromal cells, which has been increasingly identified in several human organs and appears to participate in sustaining cross-talk, promoting regenerative mechanisms and supporting differentiation of local stem cell niche. The aim of this morphologic study was to investigate the presence of Telocytes in the tibialis anterior muscle of healthy rats undergoing an endurance training protocol for either 4 weeks or 16 weeks compared to sedentary rats. Histomorphometric analysis of muscle fibers diameter revealed muscle atrophy in sedentary rats. Telocytes were identified by double-positive immunofluorescence staining for CD34/CD117 and CD34/vimentin. The results showed that Telocytes were significantly reduced in sedentary rats at 16 weeks, while rats subjected to regular exercise maintained a stable Telocytes population after 16 weeks. Understanding of the relationship between Telocytes and exercise offers new chances in the field of regenerative medicine, suggesting possible triggers for Telocytes in sarcopenia and other musculoskeletal disorders, promoting adapted physical activity and rehabilitation programmes in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Giovanni Lauretta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Elisabetta Pricoco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
| | - Federico Roggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, 90144 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (G.L.); (E.P.); (F.R.); (M.D.R.); (G.M.)
- Research Center on Motor Activities (CRAM), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation Promotes Satellite Cell Activities to Facilitate Muscle Regeneration at an Early Phase in a Rat Model of Muscle Strain. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4218086. [PMID: 33628781 PMCID: PMC7884111 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4218086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The capability of regeneration for skeletal muscle after injury depends on the differentiation and proliferation ability of the resident stem cells called satellite cells. It has been reported that electrical stimulation was widely used in clinical conditions to facilitate muscle regeneration after injury, but the characterization of satellite cell responses to the context of low-frequency electrical stimulation in early-phase muscle strain conditions has not been fully clarified. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation (frequency: 20 Hz; duration: 30 minutes, twice daily) on satellite cell activities in a rat model for the early phase of muscle strain. Firstly, we adopted our previously developed rat model to mimic the early phase of muscle strain in human. After then, we examined the effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on histopathological changes of the muscle fiber by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Finally, we investigated the effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on satellite cell proliferation and differentiation by quantification of the expression level of the specific proteins using western blot analyses. The muscle strain in biceps femoris muscles of rats can be induced by high-speed rotation from knee flexion 50° to full knee extension at 960°·s−1 angular velocity during its tetany by activating the sciatic nerve, as evidenced by a widening of the interstitial space between fibers, and more edema or necrosis fibers were detected in the model rats without treatment than in control rats. After treatment with low-frequency electrical stimulation (frequency: 20 Hz; duration: 30 minutes, twice daily), the acute strained biceps femoris muscles of rats showed obvious improvement of histomorphology as indicated by more mature muscle fibers with well-ordered formation with clear boundaries. Consistently, the expression levels of the MyoD and myogenin were marked higher than those in the rats in the animal model group, indicating increased satellite cell proliferating and differentiating activities by low-frequency electrical stimulation. This study shows that low-frequency electrical stimulation provides an effective stimulus to upregulate the protein expression of MyoD/myogenin and accelerate the restoration of structure during the early phase of muscle strain. This may have significance for clinical practice. Optimization of low-frequency electrical stimulation parameters may enhance the therapeutic outcome in patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Park GY, Kwon DR, Moon YS. Low-intensity microcurrent therapy promotes regeneration of atrophied calf muscles in immobilized rabbits. J Biomed Res 2018; 33:30. [PMID: 30418167 PMCID: PMC6352881 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.32.20180056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensity-specific regenerative effects of microcurrent therapy on gastrocnemius muscle atrophy induced by cast-immobilization in rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were randomly allocated to 3 groups after cast removal: cast-immobilization and sham microcurrent therapy for 2 weeks (group 1); cast-immobilization and microcurrent therapy (25 μA) for 2 weeks (group 2); cast-immobilization and microcurrent therapy (5,000 μA) for 2 weeks (group 3). Clinical parameters [calf circumference, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the tibial nerve, thickness of gastrocnemius muscle], cross sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibres, and immunohistochemistry was evaluated. The clinical parameters representing mean atrophic changes in group 2 were significantly lower than those in group 3. The cross sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibres and immunohistochemical parameters in group 2 were significantly greater than those in group 3. The results showed that low-intensity microcurrent therapy can more effectively promote regeneration in atrophied gastrocnemius muscle than high-intensity microcurrent therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gi Young Park
- . Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Muscle Research Center, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Rak Kwon
- . Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Muscle Research Center, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Suk Moon
- . Department of Anatomy, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moon YS, Kwon DR, Lee YJ. Therapeutic effect of microcurrent on calf muscle atrophy in immobilized rabbit. Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:270-276. [PMID: 29466826 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immobilization causes significant muscle loss. In this study we assessed the regenerative effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) atrophy induced by immobilization by cast (IC) in rabbits. METHODS Fifteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups: IC (group 1); IC and free re-ambulation for 2 weeks after cast removal (CR) (group 2); and IC and MES for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). We evaluated clinical parameters (calf circumference, compound muscle action potential of tibial nerve, and thickness of GCM by ultrasound), histomorphometric data (muscle composition and cross-sectional area), and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Mean atrophic changes in clinical parameters in group 3 were significantly less than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Histomophometric and immunohistochemical parameters in group 3 were significantly greater than those in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION MES prevents muscle atrophy and facilitates regeneration of muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 270-276, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Suk Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dong Rak Kwon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, 33 Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42472, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kwon DR, Kim J, Kim Y, An S, Kwak J, Lee S, Park S, Choi YH, Lee YK, Park JW. Short-term microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation to improve muscle function in the elderly: A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7407. [PMID: 28658177 PMCID: PMC5500099 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) has been suggested to improve muscle function and restore damaged muscle. However, current evidence is insufficient to determine the effectiveness of this therapy in age-dependent muscle weakness. Therefore, a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effects of short-term MENS on muscle function in the elderly. METHODS A total of 38 healthy elderly participants aged 65 years and above were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 stimulation groups: real or sham MENS group. Real or sham MENS were applied to the 8 anatomical points of the dominant arm and leg during the course of 40 minutes. We performed muscle function tests at baseline and after the intervention: the handgrip strength tests (HGS, kg), the root mean square values (RMS, μV), and the single leg heel-rise tests (HRT) to determine changes in the strength, activity, and endurance of the elderly muscle, respectively. RESULTS In the real MENS group, the mean values of the HGS and the number of plantar flexions were significantly increased, but the RMS value of the electromyography signal was significantly decreased after the real intervention (P < .05). However, the sham MENS group showed a significant decrease in the number of plantar flexions and the total time for HRT after the sham stimulation (P < .05). The mean difference in the RMS value was significantly lower, but the number of plantar flexions and the total time for HRT was significantly higher in the real MENS group than in the sham MENS group (P < .05). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that short-term application of MENS may play a partial role in enhancing physical activities of the elderly, as it can improve some muscle function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Rak Kwon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
| | - Yongmin Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
| | - Sungho An
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
| | | | - Sungjae Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
| | - Suyeon Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|