Optimization of Protocols Using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Paralyzed Lower-Limb Muscles to Increase Energy Expenditure in People With Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for paralyzed lower-limb muscles results in an increase in energy expenditure and whether the number of activated muscles and duty cycle affect the potential increase.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Results: Energy expenditure during all NMES protocols was significantly higher than the condition without NMES (1.

Twelve-Week Daily Gluteal and Hamstring Electrical Stimulation Improves Vascular Structure and Function, Limb Volume, and Sitting Pressure in Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

Objective: We examined the long-term effects of low-intensity electrical stimulation on (micro)vasculature and sitting pressure of a home-based, wearable electrical stimulation device in a pilot feasibility study.

Design: In a cohort observation before-after trial, nine middle-aged male (n = 8) and female (n = 1) individuals (48 ± 15 yrs) with American Spinal Injury Association A-C classified chronic (1-24 yrs) spinal cord injury underwent 12 wks of self-administered daily, low-intensity gluteal and hamstring electrical stimulation (50 Hz, 6 hrs [30-min electrical stimulation, 15-min rest]). Common femoral artery diameter and blood blow were determined with ultrasound, skin vascular function during local heating was assessed using Laser-Doppler flowmetry, thigh volume was estimated using leg circumferences and skinfolds, and interface sitting pressure was measured using pressure mapping.

Vascular adaptations in nonstimulated areas during hybrid cycling or handcycling in people with a spinal cord injury: a pilot study of 10 cases.

Study Design: Sub-study of a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To examine if hybrid cycling (cycling with the legs via electrical stimulation combined with voluntary handcycling) compared to handcycling leads to different systemic vascular adaptations in individuals with a long-term spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Two rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands.

Feasibility of overnight electrical stimulation-induced muscle activation in people with a spinal cord injury. A Pilot study.

Study Design: We investigated whether overnight ES is a feasible method to activate gluteal, quadriceps, and hamstrings muscles in a two-week experiment. Electrical stimulation (ES) induced muscle contractions have proven positive effects on risk factors for developing pressure ulcers in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore prolonged overnight ES-induced muscle activation is interesting, but has never been studied.

Associations between time since onset of injury and participation in Dutch people with long-term spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Multicentre cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To describe relationships between time since injury (TSI) and participation in individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia.

Setting: Community sample from the Netherlands METHODS: Individuals (N = 265) aged 28-65 years, living with spinal cord injury (SCI) for ≥10 years, age at injury between 18-35 years and using a wheelchair for everyday mobility in three TSI strata: 10-19, 20-29, and ≥30 years post-injury.

Femoral Artery Blood Flow and Microcirculatory Perfusion During Acute, Low-Level Functional Electrical Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may help to reduce the risk of developing macrovascular and microvascular complications in people with spinal cord injury. Low-intensity FES has significant clinical potential because this can be applied continuously throughout the day. This study examines the acute effects of low-intensity FES using wearable clothing garment on vascular blood flow and oxygen consumption in people with spinal cord injury.

Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in people with long-term spinal cord injury living in the Netherlands.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in people with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare the prevalence of high blood pressure and/or the use of antihypertensive drugs with the prevalence in the Dutch general population.

Method: Multicentre cross-sectional study (N = 282). Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥90 mmHg after ≥2 blood pressure measurements during ≥2 doctor visits.

Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Risk Factors for Developing Pressure Ulcers in People with a Spinal Cord Injury: A Focused Review of Literature.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common and serious problem for wheelchair users, such as individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI), resulting in great discomfort, loss of quality of life, and significant medical care costs. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to prevent PUs. In this literature overview, the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on the risk factors for developing PUs in people with an SCI are examined and synthesized from January 1980 to January 2015.

Wheelchair-specific fitness of persons with a long-term spinal cord injury: cross-sectional study on effects of time since injury and physical activity level.

Purpose: To study the impact of time since injury (TSI) and physical activity (PA) on fitness of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Method: Cross-sectional study. Persons with SCI (N = 158) in three TSI strata: 10-19, 20-29 and ≥30 years after SCI and divided in an active and inactive group.

Prolonged electrical stimulation-induced gluteal and hamstring muscle activation and sitting pressure in spinal cord injury: effect of duty cycle.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Electrical stimulation (ES) activates muscles and might reduce risk factors. Our objectives were to study and compare the effects of two duty cycles during 3 h of ES-induced gluteal and hamstring activation on interface pressure distribution in sitting individuals with SCI and study the usability of a newly developed electrode garment (ES shorts).

The influence of time and adaptation on health state valuations in patients with spinal cord injury.

Objectives: One of the explanations for the difference between health state utilities elicited from patients and the public--often provided but seldom studied--is adaptation. The influence of adaptation on utilities was investigated in patients with spinal cord injury.

Methods: Interviews were held at 3 time points (T1, after admission to the rehabilitation center; T2, during active rehabilitation; T3, at least half a year after discharge).

Changes in life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord injury during and after inpatient rehabilitation: adaptation or measurement bias?

Purpose: To analyze changes in life satisfaction (LS) scores over time in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to interpret what these changes mean.

Methods: Multicenter, prospective cohort study of persons with SCI (n = 96) classified into 3 life satisfaction trajectories identified earlier. Assessment took place 6 times from the start of active rehabilitation up to 5 years after discharge.

Nosocomial transmission of highly resistant microorganisms on a spinal cord rehabilitation ward.

Background/objective: To study the mechanism of nosocomial transmission of highly resistant microorganisms (HRMOs).

Design: A prospective observational study.

Setting: A spinal cord ward of a rehabilitation center.

The effect of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated people with spinal cord injury.

Objective: To study effects of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: One session in which alternating and simultaneous surface electric stimulation protocols were applied in random order.

Setting: Research laboratory of a rehabilitation center.