Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neuromuscular function assessment is crucial for understanding human movement.
• Non-invasive methods are preferred for evaluating complex neural pathways.
• Existing methods may not fully capture dynamic neuromuscular responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a protocol for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) of the posterior tibial nerve.
• To detail the assessment of neuromuscular function from supra-spinal to peripheral levels.
• To highlight PENS utility in evaluating neuromuscular plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Stimulating the posterior tibial nerve using PENS to activate plantar flexor muscles.
• Recording electrophysiological responses (M-wave, H-reflex) via surface electromyography.
• Quantifying mechanical responses (twitch torque, voluntary activation) using a force/torque ergometer.

Main Results:

• PENS effectively evokes muscular responses (M-wave, twitch torque) reflecting neuromuscular transmission and excitation-contraction coupling.
• H-reflex provides an index of spinal excitability.
• Evaluation of voluntary activation levels during maximal contractions is feasible.

Conclusions:

• PENS is a valuable non-invasive tool for assessing human neuromuscular function.
• This method is particularly beneficial for studying neuromuscular plasticity after exercise.
• PENS aids in understanding adaptations to fatigue, training, and detraining.