NMES and FES Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the clinical applications of NMES?
Sports performance, strengthening weak muscles to “normal,” strengthening “normal” muscles to “supernormal”
List 3 contraindications for NMES.
Demand pacemaker, unstable arrhythmia, over the carotid sinus
Where on the trunk is NMES contraindicated?
Pelvis, abdomen, and low back area during pregnancy
When is stimulating a muscle contraction contraindicated?
When contraction is contraindicated (e.g., wound/fracture)
What is the target neuron for increasing muscle strength with NMES?
A-alpha.
What is the typical pulse duration for NMES to target motor axons?
150-350 usec
What is the recommended spacing for NMES electrodes?
At least 1 inch apart
Where should NMES electrodes be placed in relation to muscle fibers?
Typically in alignment with the muscle fibers of the target musculature
What is the pulse frequency range for tetany in NMES?
35-50 pps.
What is a typical ON time for muscle strengthening with NMES?
6-10 seconds
What is a typical ON:OFF ratio for muscle strengthening with NMES?
1:5, 1:4, or 1:3
What is a typical ON:OFF time for fatiguing spasm with NMES?
2-5 seconds ON, 1:1 ratio
What is a general guideline for ramp time with NMES?
Strength building contractions with large muscles = longer ramp (e.g., 2-5 sec); small muscles = shorter ramp (e.g., 1-3 sec)
What is the typical treatment time for muscle strengthening with NMES?
Time to complete 10 to 20 contractions.
What is the typical treatment time for muscle spasm reduction with NMES?
10 to 30 minutes.
What is the waveform of NMES?
pulsed current
What is the primary focus of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)?
To elicit a muscle contraction during a functional activity.
Give an example of FES being used in a functional activity.
Using e-stim to elicit a muscle contraction while reaching for a glass
What are some clinical applications of FES?
Neurological disorders, strengthening, neuromuscular re-education
How does FES help with neuromuscular re-education?
By repeatedly activating a neuromuscular pathway, it strengthens that pathway
What does the evidence suggest about FES and stroke patients?
FES improves quality of life, motor abilities, and gait in stroke patients.
Is FES best used alone or with other therapies?
It is more effective when combined with other physiotherapy techniques
When is EMS used instead of NMES?
When a peripheral motor neuron has degenerated (denervated muscle)
Why doesn’t NMES work on denervated muscle?
Because the nerve is gone, and NMES stimulates the nerve to cause a muscle contraction
