The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on skin temperature in individuals with spinal cord injury: A prospective noncontrolled intervention study

Abstract

The research on the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocol on skin temperature (Tsk) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prospective non-controlled intervention study. 47 individuals with SCI were recruited from the outpatient clinic. NMES was applied to the tibial anterior (TA) muscles. Four assessments were performed: baseline, shortly after the end of NMES session (t0), 10 min after the end of NMES (t10) and 20 min after the end of NMES (t20). The intensity used was 1.5 mA RMS (root mean square) depending on the individuals. The variables were Tsk at forehead, dermatome C2 and L5 bilaterally. The dermatome C2 and forehead were measured only at baseline and t20. The measurement device was a noncontact infrared thermometer. Results of this study demonstrated that after NMES the stimulated dermatome (L5), showed an increase in local Tsk. In addition, the t20 showed that the Tsk did not drop to the baseline, being still significant in the analyzed group. The implications for rehabilitation practice and the positive effects of NMES are fundamental to improvement of the blood microcirculation and local metabolism.