Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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An isokinetic functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometer (iFES-LCE) was developed for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The iFES-LCE was designed to allow cycle training over a broad range of pedalling cadences (5-60 rev/min) to promote both muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. A commercially available motorized cycle ergometer was integrated with a custom built FES system, a laptop computer, and a specialized chair that restricted lateral leg movements. ⋯ The iFES-LCE was shown to work well across a range of pedaling cadences. We conclude that the new iFES-LCE system may offer improved training potential by allowing cycling over a broad range of pedaling cadences, especially low cadence. This device also improves upon the accuracy of other ergometers by adjusting for the passive load of the legs.
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The objective of the study was a quantitative examination of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercise in simultaneous combination with FES of lower extremity muscles in comparison to voluntary movement, training with PNF alone, or training with FES alone. Two subjects were monitored during a one-month rehabilitation period. The PNF pattern included flexion, adduction, and external rotation of the hip, knee flexion, and dorsiflexion with inversion of the ankle, a pattern similar to the swing phase of walking. ⋯ Major changes were found in the hip angle. Improvements in goniograms were greatest during the first week, smaller during the second week, and showed only a slight positive trend in the last two weeks. The measurements made two months after the start of training showed somewhat lower values in comparison to previous sessions.
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The objective of this study was to assess the usability and safety of BION injectable neuromuscular microstimulators for therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES) to treat two conditions involving disuse atrophy: poststroke shoulder subluxation in hemiplegic subjects and knee osteoarthritis. Clinicians were provided with PC-based software to track implants and to design the exercise programs. Subjects self-administered TES (3 sessions/day, 10-30 min/session) for 6 or 12 weeks. ⋯ The devices did not migrate and did not cause inflammation or pain. Thresholds were stable over time. We conclude that the use of BION implants to exercise atrophic muscles was well-accepted and provided effective rehabilitation in these two clinical conditions.
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Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation for the treatment of chronic cluster headaches: a series report.
The objective of this study was to introduce a new surgical treatment for drug-resistant chronic cluster headaches (CH). Because recent functional studies suggested that a hyperactivity of the posterior hypothalamus might be the primary cause of Cluster Headaches (CH) bouts, we designed a prospective study to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of chronic high-frequency stimulation of this region for the treatment of CH. Nine electrodes were stereotactically implanted in the posterior hypothalamus in eight patients suffering from intractable chronic CH. ⋯ Tolerance was not observed. We conclude that these preliminary results indicate that hypothalamic stimulation is safe and effective for the treatment of drug-resistant, chronic CH. In addition, these data confirm the "central" pathogenesis for chronic CH.