Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 89, Issue 9 , Pages 1724-1732, September 2008

The Effect of Surface Electric Stimulation of the Gluteal Muscles on the Interface Pressure in Seated People With Spinal Cord Injury

  • Andrea van Londen, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Mariska Herwegh, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Carlijn H. van der Zee, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Andreas Daffertshofer, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Christof A. Smit, MD

      Affiliations

    • Duyvensz-Nagel Research Laboratory, Rehabilitation Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Annelieke Niezen, PT, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Duyvensz-Nagel Research Laboratory, Rehabilitation Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Thomas W. Janssen, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • Duyvensz-Nagel Research Laboratory, Rehabilitation Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to Thomas W. Janssen, PhD, Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University, Van der Boechorstraat 9, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands

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.

Key Words: Decubitus ulcer, Pressure ulcer, Rehabilitation, Spinal cord injuries

List of Abbreviations: FSA, force sensitive array, SCI, spinal cord injury

 

 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.

PII: S0003-9993(08)00430-9

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2008.02.028

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 89, Issue 9 , Pages 1724-1732, September 2008

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