Assessment of the Strength Parameters of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles in Polish University Students after a 3-Week Program of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Using the RSQ1 Method

A rehabilitative program for patients who lose strength and muscle mass along with the ability to perform intensive exercises is lacking. We developed a 3-week training program based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) using a RSQ1 device (modulated current resulting from the overlapping of two-component currents) for RSQ1 electrostimulation to improve strength parameters of the quadricep femoris muscles and compare its effectiveness to isometric training. Nineteen university students were randomly divided into the NMES group (10 sessions) and the control group who trained. We measured the circumference of the thigh, as well as peak torques of the flexor and extensor muscles before and after the start and after the end of the training program. Both tested training programs gave similar results. Differences between measured parameters were not significant except for differences in the peak torques of the knee flexors (9.9% for left limb; p = 0.2135 vs. 7.8% for rift limb; p = 0.2135) and the circumference of the left thigh—2% for both (left p = 0.5839 and right p = 0.1088). Comparable results of the tested training programs suggest that NMES is a good alternative for people who cannot perform exercises, but want to maintain or improve their physical fitness.

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The Effect of Gratitude Training Program on the Gratitude Levels of University Students

Journal of Education and e-Learning Research ◽

10.20448/journal.509.2018.52.86.90 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 86-90

Author(s):

Ayşe Eliüşük-bülbül

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Counseling ◽

Sample Group ◽

Before And After ◽

Faculty Of Education ◽

Experimental Group

In this research, the effect of gratitude training program on the gratitude levels of university students was examined. The sample group of the research consisted of 34 students studying at the Konya Necmettin Erbakan University Ereğli Faculty of Education Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department. The Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ) developed by McCullough et al. (2002) and adapted to Turkish by Yüksel and Oğuz (2012) was used for gathering the data. The scale was applied 3 times; before and after the application and 2 months after the application. A 6-week gratitude training program was applied to the experimental group. Nothing was applied to the control group. The data was generated using the SPSS program. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were used in the analysis of the data. Significant differences were found in the level of gratitude of the individuals as a result of the practice.

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Insights into the combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and motor imagery in a training-based approach

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-020-04582-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amandine Bouguetoch ◽

Alain Martin ◽

Sidney Grosprêtre

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Motor Imagery ◽

Neural Plasticity ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Voluntary Contraction ◽

Muscle Architecture ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Before And After ◽

V Wave ◽

And Control

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.

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Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional exercise capacity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/02692155211070945 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921552110709

Author(s):

Telma Cristina Fontes Cerqueira ◽

Manoel Luiz de Cerqueira Neto ◽

Lucas de Assis Pereira Cacau ◽

Amaro Afrânio de Araújo Filho ◽

Géssica Uruga Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Surgery ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Postoperative Period ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Functional Independence Measure ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Control Group ◽

Electromyographic Activity

Objective To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional capacity of patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Design A prospective, randomized controlled trial. Setting A cardiac surgery specialist hospital in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Subjects: Patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Intervention The control group received the conventional physiotherapy and the intervention group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles bilaterally, applied for 60 min, twice a day for up to 10 sessions per patient, in the immediate postoperative period until postoperative day 5. Main measures The primary outcome was the distance walked, which was evaluated using the 6-min walk test on postoperative day 5. Secondary outcomes were gait speed, lactate levels, muscle strength, electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris and Functional Independence Measure, some of them evaluated on preoperative and postoperative period. Results Of 132 eligible patients, 88 patients were included and randomly allocated in two groups, and 45 patients were included in the analysis. No significant difference was found on the distance walked ( p = 0.650) between patients allocated in intervention group (239.06 ± 88.55) and control group (254.43 ± 116.67) as well as gait speed ( p = 0.363), lactate levels ( p = 0.302), knee extensor strength ( p = 0.117), handgrip strength ( p = 0.882), global muscle strength ( p = 0.104), electromyographic activity ( p = 0.179) and Functional Independence Measure ( p = 0.059). Conclusions Although the effects are still uncertain, the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation carried out in five days didn't present any benefit on functional capacity of patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

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Controlled Study of the Impact of a Virtual Program to Reduce Stigma Among University Students Toward People With Mental Disorders

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.632252 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Matías E. Rodríguez-Rivas ◽

Adolfo J. Cangas ◽

Daniela Fuentes-Olavarría

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

University Students ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Project Based Learning ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Score ◽

Stigma Reduction ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

Stigma toward mental disorders is one of today's most pressing global issues. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the barriers to social inclusion faced by individuals with mental disorders. Concurrently, stigma reduction interventions, especially those aimed at university students, have been more difficult to implement given social distancing and campus closures. As a result, alternative delivery for programs contributing to stigma reduction is required, such as online implementation. This paper reports the results of a controlled study focused on an online multi-component program on reducing stigma toward mental illness that included project-based learning, clinical simulations with standardized patients and E-Contact with real patients. A total of 40 undergraduate students from the Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile, participated in the study. They were randomly divided between an intervention and control group. The intervention group participated in the online multi-component program, while the control group participated in an online educational program on cardiovascular health. We assessed the impact of the program by using the validated Spanish-language versions of the Attribution Questionnaire AQ-27 and the Questionnaire on Student Attitudes toward Schizophrenia with both groups, before and after the intervention. In addition, an ad hoc Likert scale ranging from 0 to 5 was used with the intervention group in order to assess the learning strategies implemented. Following the intervention, the participants belonging to the intervention group displayed significantly lower levels of stereotypes, perception of dangerousness, and global score toward people with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). In addition, participants presented lower levels of dangerousness-fear, avoidance, coercion, lack of solidarity, and global score (p < 0.001). The control group displayed no statistically significant differences in the level of stigma before and after the evaluation, for all of the items assessed. Finally, the overall assessment of each of the components of the program was highly positive. In conclusion, the study shows that online programs can contribute to reducing stigma toward mental disorders. The program assessed in this study had a positive impact on all the dimensions of stigma and all of the components of the program itself were positively evaluated by the participants.

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Effect of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation training to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomized clinical trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215518791658 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 195-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Marwa Mekki ◽

Thierry Paillard ◽

Sonia Sahli ◽

Zouhair Tabka ◽

Yassine Trabelsi

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Voluntary Contraction ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation on walking tolerance and balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Outpatient, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Tunisia. Subjects: A total of 45 patients with COPD were assigned to an intervention group ( n = 25) or a control group ( n = 20). Interventions: The intervention group underwent a neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation, and the control group underwent only a pulmonary rehabilitation, three times per week during six months. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline and after six months of training. A stabilometric platform, time up and go, Berg balance scale tests, 6 minute walking test, and the maximal voluntary contraction were measured. Results: In the intervention group, an increase in an exercise tolerance manifested by a longer distance walked in 6 minute walking test 619.5 (39.6) m was observed in comparison to the control group 576.3 (31.5) m. The values of the time up and go, Berg balance scale, and maximal voluntary contraction in the intervention group at follow-up were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P = 0.0002, respectively). The center of pressure in the mediolateral and in the anteroposterior directions, as well as the center of pressure area was significantly more improved in open eyes and closed eyes in the intervention group compared to the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation group benefited from better walking tolerance and greater balance improvement than the only pulmonary rehabilitation.

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Does Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Have an Additive Effect on Disability, Pain and Abdominal and Lumbar Muscle Thickness in Chronic Low Back Pain? – A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study

Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin ◽

10.1055/a-1577-9849 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ecenur Atli ◽

Dilber Karagozoglu Coskunsu ◽

Zeynep Turan ◽

Ozden Ozyemisci Taskiran

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Chronic Low Back Pain ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Transversus Abdominis ◽

Control Group ◽

Low Back

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with core stabilization exercises (CSE) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods Thirty-six patients (mean age 33.6±12.6 years) with CLBP were randomly assigned to 4 weeks (12 sessions) of NMES group (NMES combined with CSE) (n=18) vs. Control group (sham NMES and CSE) (n=18). After the 4 weeks, same exercises were given as home exercise program without NMES. The outcome measures were Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and ultrasonography. Ultrasonography was used for measuring transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO) muscles thickness and lumbar multifidus muscle thickness and area. Assessments were performed at baseline and 4th week and eighth week follow-up. Results In both groups, the change of ODI, VAS and NHP values of the first measurement according to the values of the 4th week and the eighth week were found statistically significant (p=0.001; p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in ODI, VAS and NHP scores between the 4th week and the eighth week in both groups (p>0.05). None of NMES and control group measurements with US showed a statistically significant increase in the TrA, IO, EO thickness and multifidus thickness and area (p>0.05). Conclusions It was shown that NMES can be tolerated by patients with CLBP, but the addition of simultaneus NMES to CSE had no contribution to the clinical outcome measures.

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EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (FNMES) IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF HAND FUNCTIONS IN ACUTE STROKE SURVIVALS

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1703606 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 02 (04) ◽

pp. 16-21

Author(s):

Mohamed Faisal C. K. ◽

Priyabandani Neha Om Prakash ◽

Ajith S.

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Hand Function ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Hand Functions ◽

Conventional Physiotherapy ◽

Block Test ◽

Experimental Group

AbstractStroke is a worldwide health problem. Hand function is one of the important factors which are affected in stroke. Stroke patients are usually given a conventional physiotherapy but if an additional FNMES is given it might show better improvement. By keeping these facts in view, the present study aims at evaluating and comparing the efficacy of conventional physiotherapy and adding FNMES will make any better outcome in the acute stroke survivals. The subjects were randomly assigned to any of the two groups; control group consisted of 15 subjects who received only conventional therapy for 4 weeks and experimental group consisting of 15 subjects who received an additional FNMES along with conventional physiotherapy for 4 weeks. The hand function was assessed on day 1 and to know the recovery, at the end of four weeks of intervention with the help of action research arm test (ARAT) and box and block test (BBT). At the end of 4 weeks of intervention both the groups showed significant improvements. On ARAT, control group showed a mean of 10.2000 whereas, experimental group showed mean of 20.8000 with p = 0.001 (p ≤ 0.05) and on BBT, the control group showed a mean of 21.666 and experimental group showed 30.933 with p = 0.41 (p ≤ S 0.05). Therefore the study concludes that, though there was improvement in both the groups, the experimental group who received an additional FNMES along with conventional physiotherapy showed better improvement in hand functions in the acute stroke survivals.

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The Effects of the TPACK-P Educational Program on Teachers’ TPACK: Programming as a Technological Tool

International Journal of Engineering & Technology ◽

10.14419/ijet.v7i3.34.19405 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3.34) ◽

pp. 636

Author(s):

Seong Won Kim ◽

Youngjun Lee

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Training Program ◽

Content Knowledge ◽

Educational Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Post Test ◽

Technological Tool ◽

Experimental Group

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of introducing programming as a technological tool for teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) development.Methods/Statistical Analysis: Thirty-two teachers were divided into two groups, completing different types of TPACK educational programs. The control group’s TPACK training program was based on information and communication technology (ICT), while that of the experimental group was based on programming. To verify the effectiveness of the TPACK training program, tests were administered before and after the educational program. A statistical analysis of questionnaire results also investigated changes resulting from TPACK.Findings: Both the control and experimental groups showed statistically significant improvements in the post-test compared with the pre-test. However, in the detailed areas of TPACK by group, the improvements in the two groups differed. Unlike the control group, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge related to technology. This result illustrated that programming is effective in solving the problem of integrating technology into the classroom. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the post-test, as this was applied in the short term. However, programming has been shown to affect Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and TPACK. In summary, the results showed that a TPACK educational program based on programming is effective for teachers’ TPACK development. Keywords: TPACK, In-service teacher, Programming, TPACK-P, Educational program

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Cytological Aspects on the Effects of a Nasal Spray Consisting of Standardized Extract of Citrus Lemon and Essential Oils in Allergic Rhinopathy

ISRN Pharmaceutics ◽

10.5402/2012/404606 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lydia Ferrara ◽

Daniele Naviglio ◽

Arturo Armone Caruso

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Nasal Spray ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Standard Technique ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Optical Microscope ◽

Physiological Solution ◽

Control Group ◽

Before And After ◽

New Formulation

In this paper, a new formulation of nasal spray was set up based on the extract of lemon pulp, obtained by using a new solid-liquid technology of extraction, added to pure Aloe juice, soluble propoli, and essential oils of Ravensara and Niaouly. It was tested in a clinical study in which 100 subjects were recruited for a period of one month. Nasal scraping was used for collecting samples and after the application of the May-Grünwald Giemsa standard technique, glass slides were analysed by using optical microscope with a 1000x oil immersion. A control group constituted of ten people was recruited as control and this group was administered with physiological solution (saline solution). The comparison of results obtained before and after the application of nasal spray showed a total reduction of eosinophils granulocytes and mast cells; clinical data were confirmed by improvement of clinical pictures of patients. The lemon-based nasal spray was a good alternative to conventional medicine for the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic and vasomotor rhinopathy.

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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation training induces atypical adaptations of the human skeletal muscle phenotype: a functional and proteomic analysis

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00914.2010 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 110 (2) ◽

pp. 433-450 ◽

Cited By ~ 86

Author(s):

Julien Gondin ◽

Lorenza Brocca ◽

Elena Bellinzona ◽

Giuseppe D'Antona ◽

Nicola A. Maffiuletti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Proteomic Analysis ◽

Metabolic Profile ◽

Human Skeletal Muscle ◽

Protein Pattern ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽

Before And After ◽

Antioxidant Defense Systems

The aim of the present study was to define the chronic effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the neuromuscular properties of human skeletal muscle. Eight young healthy male subjects were subjected to 25 sessions of isometric NMES of the quadriceps muscle over an 8-wk period. Needle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after training. The training status, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform distribution, and global protein pattern, as assessed by proteomic analysis, widely varied among subjects at baseline and prompted the identification of two subgroups: an “active” (ACT) group, which performed regular exercise and had a slower MHC profile, and a sedentary (SED) group, which did not perform any exercise and had a faster MHC profile. Maximum voluntary force and neural activation significantly increased after NMES in both groups (+∼30% and +∼10%, respectively). Both type 1 and 2 fibers showed significant muscle hypertrophy. After NMES, both groups showed a significant shift from MHC-2X toward MHC-2A and MHC-1, i.e., a fast-to-slow transition. Proteomic maps showing ∼500 spots were obtained before and after training in both groups. Differentially expressed proteins were identified and grouped into functional categories. The most relevant changes regarded 1) myofibrillar proteins, whose changes were consistent with a fast-to-slow phenotype shift and with a strengthening of the cytoskeleton; 2) energy production systems, whose changes indicated a glycolytic-to-oxidative shift in the metabolic profile; and 3) antioxidant defense systems, whose changes indicated an enhancement of intracellular defenses against reactive oxygen species. The adaptations in the protein pattern of the ACT and SED groups were different but were, in both groups, typical of both resistance (i.e., strength gains and hypertrophy) and endurance (i.e., a fast-to-slow shift in MHC and metabolic profile) training. These training-induced adaptations can be ascribed to the peculiar motor unit recruitment pattern associated with NMES.

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