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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in garments optimized for compliance
R Juthberg1, J Flodin2, L Guo3
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. robin.juthberg@ki.se.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) via a sock electrode system is effective for ankle plantar flexion. Optimal settings for comfort and energy efficiency involve 1 Hz frequency and longer phase durations (150-400 µs).
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Wearable Sensors
Background:
- Physical inactivity contributes to muscle atrophy and venous thromboembolism.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) offers a potential preventative strategy.
- Textile electrodes integrated into wearable devices present an innovative approach for NMES delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varying frequency and phase duration on discomfort, current amplitude, and energy consumption during low-intensity NMES (LI-NMES).
- To assess the efficacy of a sock with knitting-integrated transverse textile electrodes (TTE) for delivering NMES.
- To determine optimal LI-NMES parameters for enhanced user comfort and reduced energy usage.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy participants underwent calf-NMES using a TTE sock.
- NMES intensity was gradually increased to achieve ankle plantar flexion.
- Parameters tested included frequencies (1, 3, 10, 36 Hz) and phase durations (75, 150, 200, 400 µs).
- Discomfort was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS), and energy consumption was calculated (mJ).
Main Results:
- A frequency of 1 Hz resulted in significantly lower discomfort (NRS 2.4) compared to 3 Hz (NRS 2.8) and 10 Hz (NRS 3.4).
- Increasing frequency significantly elevated energy consumption, from 0.6 mJ at 1 Hz to 14.9 mJ at 36 Hz.
- Longer phase durations (150, 200, 400 µs) showed no significant impact on discomfort but reduced energy consumption compared to 75 µs.
Conclusions:
- LI-NMES delivered via a TTE sock effectively induces ankle plantar flexion.
- The optimal parameters for comfort and energy efficiency are a frequency of 1 Hz combined with phase durations of 150, 200, or 400 µs.
- This TTE sock system demonstrates potential for non-invasive rehabilitation and prevention of inactivity-related complications.
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