Pilot Study: MES-FES Interface Improves Quadriceps Muscle Response in Sitting Position with Partial Spinal Cord Injury

Denise Paeulo^*
*Correspondence: Denise Paeulo, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Germany, Email:

Introduction

Partial spinal cord injury often results in significant motor deficits, impacting a patient's ability to perform basic activities of daily living. Traditional rehabilitation methods, while beneficial, often fall short in fully restoring muscle function. This study investigates the potential of combining mechanical electrical stimulation with functional electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle response in individuals with partial SCI while in a sitting position. The MES-FES interface represents an innovative approach that leverages the strengths of both modalities to enhance muscle activation and functional recovery. Spinal cord injuries disrupt the communication between the brain and muscles, leading to partial or complete loss of motor function below the level of injury. Rehabilitation strategies focus on restoring this communication and improving muscle strength and endurance. FES, a wellestablished technique, uses electrical currents to evoke muscle contractions, facilitating muscle re-education and functional movement. However, FES alone may not be sufficient to achieve optimal outcomes, especially in cases of severe muscle atrophy or compromised neural pathways. MES involves the use of mechanical stimulation, such as vibration or pressure, to enhance muscle activation. Combining MES with FES could potentially provide a synergistic effect, improving the overall efficacy of rehabilitation by promoting more robust and coordinated muscle contractions [1-3].

Description

The results of this pilot study indicate that the MES-FES interface significantly enhances quadriceps muscle response and functional performance in individuals with partial SCI. The synergistic effect of combining mechanical and electrical stimulation likely contributes to these improvements by promoting more robust and coordinated muscle contractions. Mechanical stimulation may increase the excitability of motor neurons, facilitating stronger and more sustained muscle contractions. The combination of MES and FES may promote the recruitment of a larger pool of muscle fibers, enhancing overall muscle activation. Mechanical stimulation can provide additional sensory input, improving proprioception and the coordination of voluntary muscle contractions. The study included only ten participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The intervention was limited to two sessions, preventing the assessment of long-term effects and sustained benefits. Participants were aware of the intervention they were receiving, which could introduce bias in their feedback and performance [4,5].

Conclusion

Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the longterm benefits of the MES-FES interface in a larger, more diverse population. Future studies should also investigate the optimal parameters for mechanical and electrical stimulation, as well as the potential for integrating this approach into comprehensive rehabilitation programs. The MES-FES interface shows promise as a novel rehabilitation tool for improving quadriceps muscle response and functional performance in individuals with partial SCI. By leveraging the synergistic effects of mechanical and electrical stimulation, this approach may offer significant advantages over traditional rehabilitation methods. While further research is needed to validate these findings, the results of this pilot study provide a strong foundation for the continued exploration and development of the MES-FES interface in SCI rehabilitation.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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