Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of quadriceps on the quadriceps strength and functional performance in nursing home residents: A comparison of short and long stimulation periods

Abstract

Aim To determine the effect of two neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) periods on quadriceps strength (QS) and functional performance in nursing home residents. Methods A total of 53 older adults living in a nursing home were randomized into two groups: NMES with a short stimulation period and NMES with a long stimulation period. The quadriceps muscles were bilaterally stimulated three times a week for 6 weeks in both groups. Strength was measured with a digital handheld dynamometer and 30‐s chair stand test. Functional performance was evaluated with the Berg balance scale, Timed Up and Go test and 6‐min walking test. Results Analysis was carried out on 44 older adults, who completed the study protocol. The isometric QS did not change within groups or between groups. Interestingly, the 30‐s chair stand test score increased for both groups, but the improvements were similar among groups. The Berg balance scale score, Timed Up and Go test time and 6‐min walking test distance also improved in both groups. However, no difference in any of the functional outcome measures was observed between groups. Conclusions The present findings showed that both NMES protocols might be an alternative to achieve an improvement in functional strength of the lower extremities and functional performance in nursing home residents, whereas neither of the two protocols seems effective for improving isometric QS. Both methods might contribute to maintaining isometric QS during the aging process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 409–413.

Immediate Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Balance and Proprioception During One-leg Standing

“…We found that both training methods improved balance up to 48.9%. This result agrees well with previous find- [43] have used a clinical measure to assess balance, and found that there is 6.0% increase of balance with NMES training of quadriceps muscles. Our finding suggests that, despite the physiological differences in muscle contraction between NMES and VMC, NMES training improves balance similarly to VMC, which rejects our hypothesis that the NMES might change the normal physiology of muscle contraction, leading to change in the balance maintaining strategy while standing.…”

The impact of a comprehensive physical, mental and spiritual programme on fall risk, physical fitness and blood pressure in elderly residents of nursing homes: An RCT Study

“…66 A different study with a physical activity-based intervention in older people in nursing homes also increased the distance covered in a six-minute walking test. 67 Similarly, the same result was achieved in research using yoga intervention in older people in Australia. 68 Weight training has been proven to inhibit decreasing muscle mass and strength due to ageing, improving general health.…”

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Induces Skeletal Muscle Fiber Remodeling and Specific Gene Expression Profile in Healthy Elderly

“…Physical exercise is considered one of the most effective strategy to slow down muscle aging, especially in terms of mass and function (Negaresh et al, 2019). Besides the classic training, NMES is also a valid method that enhances muscle performance and structure (Acaröz Candan et al, 2019).…”