Acute effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on cortical dynamics and reflex activation
Riccardo Borzuola, Federico Quinzi, Martina Scalia, Sabrina Pitzalis, Francesco Di Russo, Andrea Macaluso
Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation superimposed on voluntary contractions (NMES+) is effective to improve motor performance in several populations. Here, we investigated the changes in cortical activation and reflex response following three acute conditions, including NMES+. Our results show that NMES+ has a greater excitatory effect at both spinal and cortical levels compared with passive stimulation and voluntary exercise alone. These results open up original perspectives for the implementation of NMES+ in neurorehabilitation and training environments.
Topics & Concepts
NeurorehabilitationStimulationNeuroscienceExcitatory postsynaptic potentialReflexPhysical medicine and rehabilitationCortical neuronsPsychologyMedicineRehabilitationInhibitory postsynaptic potentialMuscle activation and electromyography studiesMotor Control and AdaptationHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control