A Clinical Trial of Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES) on the wasting muscles in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The patient is a 47-year-old male, and he has a history of progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, affected more in the right side. Percutaneously indwelling intramuscular electrodes were implanted to the affected muscles in the right upper and lower extremities but no electrode in the corresponding left region. Within a month of TES therapy, a rapid improvement of extremity motion appeared in the TES treated side. Long-term application of TES more than 3 months increased the strength of the muscle which had been evidently weaker than the non-treated side. CT findings of both the upper and lower extremities with TES therapy showed an increase in the density and a reduction in the moth-eaten image. An increase in the thickness of the muscles was also observed in the TES treated side while deterioration was observed in the muscles on the non-treated side.

A more precise, repeatable and diagnostic alternative to surface electromyography – an appraisal of the clinical utility of acoustic myography

“…The slight improvement in the left forearm was due to a slightly higher S-score and improved T-score, indicative of recruitment of fewer fibres and a lower firing rate, findings that not only support, but enhance those of Handa et al (1995). A baseline measurement of an ALS patient, in which the muscle function of m. Flexor carpi radialis was assessed for the right and left forearms by means of repeated voluntary movements, recorded an ESTi â Score of 4Á9 Left and 3Á2 Right.…”

“…After a period of regular daily training covering a period of 21 days, the ESTi â Score was found to be 5Á2 Left and 5Á9 Right. The slight improvement in the left forearm was due to a slightly higher S-score and improved T-score, indicative of recruitment of fewer fibres and a lower firing rate, findings that not only support, but enhance those of Handa et al (1995). In the right forearm, which was more affected by the disease than the left, the training period had not only improved both the S-and T-scores, but also improved the E-score, indicative of better coordination (Harrison, unpublished data).…”

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in neurorehabilitation

“…226 Although this review confines itself to the role of NMES for persons with SCI and stroke, the ability of NMES to enhance muscle strength and mass for the broader neurologic and orthopedic applications are also reported in the literature. 119,121,174,185,274 Deep Venous Thrombosis Prevention. NMES may be effective in reducing the risk of venous stasis and thromboembolism.…”

Outcomes of Physical Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Occupational Therapy for People with Motor Neuron Disease: A Systematic Review

“…The other physical therapy study with level IV evidence was by Handa and others. 46 The effect of electrical stimulation on muscle atrophy was measured in a 47-year-old male with a 5-year history of progressive muscle wasting arising from ALS. Electrodes were implanted into 12 upper limb muscles and 5 lower limb nerve branches under general anesthetic, and a tracheotomy was performed to optimize respiratory function during the trial.…”