Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for motor recovery in pediatric neurological conditions: a scoping review

Abstract

Aim To explore the breadth of pediatric neurological conditions for which neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been studied. Method Databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase) were searched from 2000 to 2020, using the search terms ‘neuromuscular electrical stimulation’ OR ‘functional electrical stimulation’ with at least one of the words ‘pediatric OR child OR children OR adolescent’, and without the words ‘dysphagia OR implanted OR enuresis OR constipation’. Articles focused on adults or individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were excluded. Results Thirty‐five studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 353 pediatric participants (293 unique participants; mean age 7y 4mo, range 1wk–38y). NMES was applied in a range of pediatric conditions other than CP, including stroke, spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, scoliosis, congenital clubfoot, obstetric brachial plexus injury, genetic neuromuscular diseases, and other neuromuscular conditions causing weakness. Interpretation All 35 studies concluded that NMES was well‐tolerated and most studies suggested that NMES could augment traditional therapy methods to improve strength. Outcome measurements were heterogeneous. Further research on NMES with larger, randomized studies will help clarify its potential to improve physiology and mobility in pediatric patients with neuromuscular conditions. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) appears to be tolerated by pediatric patients. NMES shows potential for augmenting recovery in pediatric patients with a range of rehabilitation needs.

The Potential of Electrical Stimulation and Smart Textiles for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

“…The neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is characterized by electrical impulses that are delivered to the muscle through electrodes placed on the skin that subsequently lead to muscle contraction (15). NMES has been used for the treatment of muscle weakness by patients with prolonged hospitalization (16), in cancer rehabilitation (17), in prevention of thromboembolism (18), for motor recovery in children with neurologic conditions (19) and for the treatment of sports injuries (20).…”

“…The neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is characterized by electrical impulses that are delivered to the muscle through electrodes placed on the skin that subsequently lead to muscle contraction 15 . NMES has been used for the treatment of muscle weakness by patients with prolonged hospitalization 16 , in cancer rehabilitation 17 , in prevention of thromboembolism 18 , for motor recovery in children with neurologic conditions 19 and for the treatment of sports injuries 20 Similarly, peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) applied through electrodes have been used for the recovery from injuries, for the treatment of chronic pain and for promoting motor rehabilitation 21 22 . Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which runs at one mA have been also tested primarily as treatments of pain 23 24 25 , but may also improve sensomotoric impairments that are evident in terms of vibration perception, balance control and gait 23 24 .…”

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“…The neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is characterized by electrical impulses that are delivered to the muscle through electrodes placed on the skin that subsequently lead to muscle contraction [15]. NMES has been used for the treatment of muscle weakness by patients with prolonged hospitalization [16], in cancer rehabilitation [17], in prevention of thromboembolism [18], for motor recovery in children with neurologic conditions [19] and for the treatment of sports injuries [20] Similarly, peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) applied through electrodes have been used for the recovery from injuries, for the treatment of chronic pain and for promoting motor rehabilitation [21,22]. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which runs at one mA have been also tested primarily as treatments of pain [23][24][25], but may also improve sensomotoric impairments that are evident in terms of vibration perception, balance control and gait [23,24].…”

Methodological Approaches to Modeling the Pathology of the Nervous System

“…The same is observed with central paralysis in humans. If one half of the body is paralyzed, then the movements of a healthy limb or head may be accompanied by combined reflex movements of the paralyzed limbs [8,9,10]. When bending a healthy arm, the paralyzed arm automatically bends.…”

“…Such a simplified technique of the operation allows it to be carried out in 3-5 minutes, without prior preparation [9,10,21,24].Immediately after cutting at the level of the upper lumbar vertebrae of the spinal cord, the central paralysis of the hind limbsparaplegia -occurs in the animal. Such an animal can neither lean on its hind limbs, nor move them when walking.…”