The effects of electrical stimulation of normal abductor digiti quinti on strength

This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in strengthening normal abductor digiti quinti muscle. The abductor digiti quinti (AbDQ) muscle is unique as it may be considered atrophic but otherwise normal muscle tissue. Eight healthy subjects participated in this investigation and they were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (N = 4) received intermittent electrical stimulation with an on-off time ratio of 1:3. Group B (N = 4) received intermittent electrical stimulation with an on-off ratio of 1:2. The control group C (N = 8) was the nonelectrically stimulated foot of each participant. Each subject received 20 treatments of electrical stimulation of 1 hour duration, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. At the conclusion of the 20 sessions, significant improvements (P < 0.0 1) in functional strength were noted in the stimulated groups (1 17.9%); the control group improved 9.9%. The data demonstrated that electrical stimulation produced increases in the functional strength of the AbDQ. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1985;6(6):343-346.