Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a technique that utilizes electrical current to produce muscle contractions for the purpose of restoring motor function in individuals that have muscle weakness or paralysis (Knutson et al. 2019). In stroke patients, NMES has been shown to improve motor function recovery, especially when delivered in a way that assists patients in performing a task (e.g. walking or completing ADLs) (Howlett et al. 2015; Knutson et al. 2019). When combined with functional task practice, NMES is thought to improve recovery by promoting adaptive neuroplasticity (Kimberly et al. 2004; Rushton 2003; Shin et al. 2008; Knutson et al. 2019). NMES generates muscle contraction by creating an electrical field near motor axons of peripheral nerves, which depolarizes the axonal membranes, consequently stimulating action potentials leading to muscle contractions (Knutson et al. 2019). Importantly, the strength of the muscle contractions can be modulated by changing the frequency, amplitude, and duration of the current pulses. NMES can be applied transcutaneously with surface electrodes positioned over the target muscle(s), percutaneously with intramuscular electrodes that are connected to an external simulator, or subcutaneously with an implanted simulator (Knutson et al. 2019). Although NMES can be applied subcutaneously, most therapeutic applications are intended to be temporary and therefore non-invasive.
Despite the efficacy of NMES in stroke rehabilitation and potential application to SCI, very few studies have investigated the effects of NMES in SCI rehabilitation. The methodological details and results from three studies are presented in Table 12.
Two out of the three studies presented demonstrated significant improvements in upper limb strength following NEMS rehabilitation therapy. Needham-Shophire et al. (1997) and Cameron et al. (1998) found that NEMS alone or in combination with exercise was effective for strengthening the upper limb in subjects with chronic SCI. However, Klose et al. (1993) found that exercise therapy combined with NEMS was no more effective than exercise alone. Despite promising evidence that NEMS may be an effective therapy for SCI, further clinical trials are necessary to truly determine efficacy.
There is level 1b evidence (from one randomized controlled trial: Needham-Shrophire et al. 1997) that neuromuscular stimulation-assisted exercise improves muscle strength over conventional therapy.
There is level 2 evidence (from one randomized control trial: Klose et al. 1993) that the addition of NEMS does not improve patient scores in rehabilitation more than physical exercise alone.
There is level 4 evidence (from one case series study: Cameron et al. 1998) that neuromuscular stimulation-assisted ergometry alone and in conjunction with voluntary arm crank exercise was an effective strengthening intervention for chronically injured individuals.