Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Functional electrical stimulation following nerve injury in a large animal model
Marta Cercone1, Jonathan C Jarvis2, Norm G Ducharme1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Controversy exists over the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on reinnervation. We hypothesized that intramuscular FES would not delay reinnervation after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLn) axonotmesis.
Methods:
RLn cryo-injury and electrode implantation in ipsilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) were performed in horses. PCA was stimulated for 20 weeks in eight animals; seven served as controls. Reinnervation was monitored through muscle response to hypercapnia, electrical stimulation and exercise. Ultimately, muscle fiber type proportions and minimum fiber diameters, and RLn axon number and degree of myelination were determined.
Results:
Laryngeal function returned to normal in both groups within 22 weeks. FES improved muscle strength and geometry, and induced increased type I:II fiber proportion (p = 0.038) in the stimulated PCA. FES showed no deleterious effects on reinnervation.
Discussion:
Intramuscular electrical stimulation did not delay PCA reinnervation after axonotmesis. FES can represent a supportive treatment to promote laryngeal functional recovery after RLn injury. Muscle Nerve 59:717-725, 2019.
Related Concept Videos
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
Tonicity in Animals
Tonicity in Animals
Finding Electric Potential From Electric Field
Determining Electric Field From Electric Potential
In general, regardless of whether the electric field is uniform, it points in the direction of decreasing potential because the force on a positive...
Electric Potential Energy in a Uniform Electric Field

