Does partial activation of the neuromuscular system induce cross-education training effect? Case of a pilot study on motor imagery and neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Author(s):  
Amandine Bouguetoch ◽  
Alain Martin ◽  
Sidney Grosprêtre
Author(s):  
Amandine Bouguetoch ◽  
Alain Martin ◽  
Sidney Grosprêtre

Abstract Introduction Training stimuli that partially activate the neuromuscular system, such as motor imagery (MI) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), have been previously shown as efficient tools to induce strength gains. Here the efficacy of MI, NMES or NMES + MI trainings has been compared. Methods Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in a training program of ten sessions in 2 weeks targeting plantar flexor muscles, distributed in four groups: MI, NMES, NMES + MI and control. Each group underwent forty contractions in each session, NMES + MI group doing 20 contractions of each modality. Before and after, the neuromuscular function was tested through the recording of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), but also electrophysiological and mechanical responses associated with electrical nerve stimulation. Muscle architecture was assessed by ultrasonography. Results MVC increased by 11.3 ± 3.5% in NMES group, by 13.8 ± 5.6% in MI, while unchanged for NMES + MI and control. During MVC, a significant increase in V-wave without associated changes in superimposed H-reflex has been observed for NMES and MI, suggesting that neural adaptations occurred at supraspinal level. Rest spinal excitability was increased in the MI group while decreased in the NMES group. No change in muscle architecture (pennation angle, fascicle length) has been found in any group but muscular peak twitch and soleus maximal M-wave increased in the NMES group only. Conclusion Finally, MI and NMES seem to be efficient stimuli to improve strength, although both exhibited different and specific neural plasticity. On its side, NMES + MI combination did not provide the expected gains, suggesting that their effects are not simply cumulative, or even are competitive.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e000382
Author(s):  
Sherna Marcus ◽  
Jeremy N Friedman ◽  
Ashley Lacombe-Duncan ◽  
Sanjay Mahant

ObjectivesTo describe the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in infants and young children with neurological impairment (NI) who have severe dysphagia.DesignA prospective pilot study using a before and after study design.SettingThe Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.PatientsTen infants and young children (0–24 months) with NI and severe dysphagia on videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) who were referred to an occupational therapist (OT). Those with neurodegenerative conditions were excluded.InterventionNMES treatments lasting 20–45 min twice weekly for the duration of 2–4 months. The NMES was administered during feeding therapy sessions by a trained OT.Main outcome measuresImprovement in swallowing function as measured by VFSS and the need for tube feeding, adverse events and parental acceptability.ResultsSeven of 10 enrolled subjects (median age, 8.9 months) completed biweekly NMES treatments (median number of treatments per subject, 18). All of the seven (100%) subjects who completed treatment showed an improvement in swallow function on VFSS. Of the five patients who were not safe to orally feed on any consistency of liquid or puree at baseline, three established full oral feeding and two established partial oral feeding. At baseline, 5/7 children were completely fed by tube versus 0/7 at the end of treatment. No adverse events occurred other than mild skin irritation at the site of electrode placement. Five of seven caregivers felt that feeding was improved and were satisfied with the intervention.ConclusionsOur prospective pilot study of NMES in seven neurologically impaired infants and young children with severe dysphagia suggests that NMES is safe, acceptable to parents and has potential efficacy. Trials are needed to determine if any treatment benefit exists.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01723358.


Sleep Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Lilian C Giannasi ◽  
Miriam Y Matsui ◽  
Sergio R Nacif ◽  
Israel dos R dos Santos ◽  
Eduardo Grossmann ◽  
...  

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