Objectives: To examine if different frequencies of electrical stimulation trigger different sized cramps in the abductor hallucis muscle and to analyze their surface electromyographic (EMG) behaviour in both time and frequency domains.
Methods: Fifteen subjects were studied. Stimulation trains of 150 pulses were applied to the muscle motor point. Frequency was increased (starting from 4pps with 2-pps steps) until a cramp developed. Current intensity was 30% higher than that eliciting maximal M-waves. After the first cramp ("threshold cramp"), a 30-minute rest was provided before a second cramp ("above-threshold cramp") was elicited with a frequency increased by 50% with respect to that eliciting the first cramp.
Results: We found greater EMG amplitude and a compression of the power spectrum for above-threshold cramps with respect to threshold cramps. M-wave changes (ranging between small decreases of M-wave amplitude to complete M-wave disappearance) occurred and progressively increased throughout stimulation trains. Significant positive correlations were found between estimates of EMG amplitude during cramps and estimated reductions of M-wave amplitude.
Conclusions: Varying frequencies of electrical stimulation triggered different sized cramps. Moreover, decreases in M-wave amplitude were observed during both threshold and above-threshold stimulations. The choice of the stimulation frequency has relevance for optimizing electrical stimulation protocols for the study of muscle cramps in both healthy and pathological subjects.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neucli.2008.11.002 | DOI Listing |
Ont Health Technol Assess Ser
January 2025
Background: Chronic neuropathic pain is a major health problem that adversely affects people's physical and mental well-being, as well as their quality of life. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may offer a minimally invasive option earlier in the treatment continuum for adults with chronic neuropathic pain that is refractory to conventional medical management. We conducted a health technology assessment of PNS for adults with chronic neuropathic pain, which included an evaluation of effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, the budget impact of publicly funding PNS, and patient preferences and values.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNano Lett
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Luminescence Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & State Key Laboratory of Luminescence Science and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130033, China.
Electrochromic (EC) technology can adjust optical properties under electrical stimulation with broad applications in smart windows, displays, and camouflage. However, significant challenges remain in developing inorganic EC films with high durability, rapid response, and mechanical flexibility due to intrinsic brittleness and dense microstructure. Herein, a nanostructured quasiplanar heterointerface (Q-PHI) is first introduced into the electrode/EC interlayer to realize a robust, ultrafast switching tungsten trioxide (WO) EC film.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeural Regen Res
January 2025
School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
After spinal cord injury, impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor, sensory, proprioceptive, and autonomic nervous systems. Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions, combined with the limitations of current methods. To address these challenges, various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Womens Health
January 2025
Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Human Health, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Rua Silveira Martins, nº 3386, Cabula, Salvador, BA, 41150-000, Brazil.
Introduction And Hypothesis: Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine and can be associated with urgency and/or physical exertion. Electrical stimulation (ES) has recently been identified as a proven therapeutic alternative for UI, with few side effects and low cost. This systematic review, registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (RD42024528812), investigated whether home-based ES would be as viable as outpatient ES in the treatment of women with UI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGait Posture
January 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address:
Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an injury to the central nervous system around the time of birth that affects the development of the brain and spinal cord. This injury leads to changes in gait neuromechanics, including muscle activity and joint kinematics. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a novel neuromodulation technique that may improve movement and coordination in children with CP when paired with targeted physical therapy.
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