scholarly journals Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined with Exercises versus an Exercise Program on the Physical Characteristics and Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2463
Author(s):  
Eun Mi Jang ◽  
So Hyun Park
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Strengthening Exercise ◽  
Low Intensity Exercise

(1) Background—The application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with low-intensity exercise to the elderly can be more efficient than low-intensity exercise only in terms of delaying the loss of muscle mass. We aimed to assess the adjunct of NMES to low-intensity lower limb strengthening exercise to prevent falls in frail elderly for a relatively short period of 4 weeks. (2) Methods—Thirty elderly women aged 65 or above were randomly categorized into three groups: control group (CON, n = 8), exercise group (EX, n = 10), and NMES with exercise group (EX + NMES, n = 9). The exercise group took part in a lower limb strengthening exercise program for one hour three times a week for four weeks. Furthermore, the NMES with exercise group had added NMES stimulation when exercising. The limbs’ muscle mass, body fat mass, calf circumference, grip force, five times sit-to-stand test, timed up-and-go test (TUG), one-leg stand test, and Y-balance test (YBT) were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after. (3) Results—Comparisons between the three groups showed that the TUG was significantly decreased and the YB was significantly increased in NMES with exercise group (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions—These results suggested that a combination of NMES stimulation and exercises was more helpful in strengthening balance than exercises alone in the short term.

Effect of Early Low-Intensity Exercise on Rat Hind-Limb Muscles Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myoung-Ae Choe ◽  
Gyeong Ju An ◽  
Yoon-Kyong Lee ◽  
Ji Hye Im ◽  
Smi Choi-Kwon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hind Limb ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Type I ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Muscle Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Low Intensity Exercise

This study examined the effects of daily low-intensity exercise following acute stroke on mass, Type I and II fiber cross-sectional area, and myofibrillar protein content of hind-limb muscles in a rat model. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (n = 7-9 per group): stroke (occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery [RMCA]), control (sham RMCA procedure), exercise, and stroke-exercise. Beginning 48 hours post-stroke induction/sham operation, rats in the exercise group had 6 sessions of exercise in which they ran on a treadmill at grade 10 for 20 min/day at 10 m/min. At 8 days poststroke, all rats were anesthetized and soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles were dissected from both the affected and unaffected sides. After 6 sessions of exercise following acute ischemic stroke, the stroke-exercise group showed the following significant (p < .05) increases compared to the stroke-only group: body weight and dietary intake, muscle weight of affected soleus and both affected and unaffected gastrocnemius muscle, Type I fiber cross-sectional area of affected soleus and both affected and unaffected gastrocnemius muscle, Type II fiber cross-sectional area of the unaffected soleus, both affected and unaffected plantaris and gastrocnemius muscle, Type II fiber distribution of affected gastrocnemius muscle, and myofibrillar protein content of both affected and unaffected soleus muscle. Daily low-intensity exercise following acute stroke attenuates hind-limb muscle atrophy in both affected and unaffected sides. The effects of exercise are more pronounced in the soleus and gastrocnemius as compared to the plantaris muscle.

Evaluation of The Canadian Red Cross Society's Fun and Fitness Program for Seniors

1985 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Myers ◽  
N. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Care ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Fitness Program ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Low Intensity Exercise ◽  
Apartment Complexes ◽  
General Community

ABSTRACTAn ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The sample included individuals residing in the general community, seniors' apartment complexes and institutional care facilities. Participation in other exercises was found to increase since joining the program. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. Implications for program modifications, including building in self-monitoring procedures, are discussed.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Hemodynamic Performance of Two Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Devices Applied to the Lower Limb

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Sahar Avazzadeh ◽  
Andrea O’Farrell ◽  
Kate Flaherty ◽  
Sandra O’Connell ◽  
Gearóid ÓLaighin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Chronic Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Venous Stasis ◽  
Western World ◽  
Neuromuscular Stimulation ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Compression Bandages

Currently, 1% of the population of the Western world suffers from venous leg ulcers as a result of chronic venous insufficiency. Current treatment involves the use of moist wound healing, compression bandages, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a novel potential new therapeutic method for the promotion of increased lower limb hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to measure the hemodynamic changes in the lower limb with the use of two neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices. Twelve healthy volunteers received two neuromuscular stimulation device interventions. The GekoTM and National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices were randomized between dominant and non-dominant legs. Hemodynamic measurements of peak venous velocity (cm/s), the time average mean velocity (TAMEAN) (cm/s), and ejected volume (mL) of blood were recorded. Peak venous velocity was significantly increased by the GekoTM and the NUI Galway device compared to baseline blood flow (p < 0.0001), while only the voluntary contraction produced significant increases in TAMEAN and ejected volume (both p < 0.05). Neuromuscular muscular electrical stimulation can produce adequate increases in lower limb hemodynamics sufficient to prevent venous stasis. Greater use of neuromuscular stimulation devices could be considered in the treatment of conditions related to chronic venous insufficiency but requires further research.

scholarly journals Twelve Weeks of Strengthening Exercise for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Intervention Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2792
Author(s):  
Bomi Sul ◽  
Kyoung Bo Lee ◽  
Young Bin Joo ◽  
Bo Young Hong ◽  
Joon-Sung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Strengthening Exercise

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may benefit from exercise for several reasons. However, whole-limb strengthening exercises for such patients remain poorly studied. We hypothesized that systemic strength training that includes the upper and lower extremities would improve strength per se and enhance the quality of life. Here, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of upper- and lower-limb strengthening exercise on the strength and quality of life of RA patients using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model. This was a prospective, interventional controlled trial. Forty female RA patients were recruited and assigned to two groups not based on willingness to exercise, with 20 patients in the exercise group and 20 in the control group. All patients in the exercise group received once-weekly training sessions of 60 min over 12 weeks. All participants were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention period. We measured the hand grip strength and isometric quadriceps contraction, the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris (CSA-RF) (via ultrasonography), and performed the 30 s sit-to-stand test and the 6 min walk test (6MWT). We derived the Borg scale score after the 6MWT and assessed the extent of social participation and quality of life using a Korean version of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A total of 35 subjects completed the experiment (18 in the exercise group, 17 in the control group). After the 12-week intervention period, the lower-limb strength and the CSA-RF were significantly increased in the exercise group. The activity level did not change significantly in either group. The exercise group exhibited significant improvements in the SF-36 mental health domain scores. Thus, strengthening exercise is useful for patients with RA.

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