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Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
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Sodium-potassium pump assessment by submaximal electrical nerve stimulation.
Steven Hageman1, Maria O Kovalchuk1, Boudewijn T H M Sleutjes1
1Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Submaximal electrical nerve stimulation can effectively assess sodium-potassium pump function by inducing nerve hyperpolarization. This method offers a comfortable and reliable alternative to maximal voluntary contraction or painful electrical stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Sodium-potassium pump dysfunction in peripheral nerves is typically evaluated using maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) or maximal electrical nerve stimulation.
- These conventional methods can be unreliable (MVC) or cause significant discomfort (maximal electrical stimulation).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of submaximal electrical nerve stimulation in inducing axonal hyperpolarization.
- To establish a comfortable and reliable method for assessing sodium-potassium pump function.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy volunteers received various submaximal electrical stimulus trains to the median nerve.
- Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) thresholds were assessed at 20%, 40%, and 60% of maximal following stimulation.
Main Results:
- An 8 Hz stimulus train for at least 5 minutes, evoking 60% maximal CMAPs, most effectively increased nerve stimulation thresholds.
- This method induced minimal discomfort and was not painful.
- The threshold increase observed was comparable to that achieved with MVC.
Conclusions:
- Submaximal electrical stimulation reliably induces activity-dependent hyperpolarization in healthy subjects.
- This technique offers a comfortable and effective means to assess sodium-potassium pump function in peripheral nerves.
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