The Effect of Surface Electric Stimulation of the Gluteal Muscles on the Interface Pressure in Seated People With Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
van Londen A, Herwegh M, van der Zee CH, Daffertshofer A, Smit CA, Niezen A, Janssen TW. The effect of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated people with spinal cord injury.
Objective
To study effects of surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles on the interface pressure in seated persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Design
One session in which alternating and simultaneous surface electric stimulation protocols were applied in random order.
Setting
Research laboratory of a rehabilitation center.
Participants
Thirteen subjects with SCI.
Intervention
Surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles.
Main Outcome Measures
Interface pressure, maximum pressure, pressure spread, and pressure gradient for the stimulation measurement. Variables were compared using 2-tailed paired t tests.
Results
Alternating and simultaneous stimulation protocol caused a significant (P<.01) decrease in interface pressure (–17±12mmHg, –19±14mmHg) and pressure gradient (–12±11mmHg, –14±12mmHg) during stimulation periods compared with rest periods. There was no significant difference in effects between the 2 protocols.
Conclusions
Surface electric stimulation of the gluteal muscles in persons with SCI causes a decrease in interface pressure. This might restore blood flow in compressed tissue and help prevent pressure ulcers.
aResearch Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
bDuyvensz-Nagel Research Laboratory, Rehabilitation Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Correspondence to Thomas W. Janssen, PhD, Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Van der Boechorstraat 9, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands
Supported by the Revalidatiefonds, The Netherlands.
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on the authors or on any organization with which the authors are associated.
ABSTRACT