Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Physical Function in Older Adults

Texas State University

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Sarcopenia

Treatments: Other: NMES-Millicurrent

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03509519

REPFY18

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this placebo controlled clinical trial is to examine the effects of of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training on physical activity, muscle function, self-efficacy, and blood markers [e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] in older adults.

It is hypothesized that 4-weeks of NMES will increase 1) physical activity, 2) muscle function, 3) self-efficacy, and 4) BDNF in older adults.

Sarcopenia is a destructive progressive cycle of impaired physical function resulting in loss of muscle mass, strength, and self-confidence in ability to perform physical activities, compounded by difficulty walking and ultimately reduced physical activity levels for many older adults. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common therapeutic modality used to create involuntary muscle contractions as a means to increase muscle strength, and may be an effective treatment for improving muscle function and physical activity levels in older adults with sarcopenia. Thus, it is critical to explore viable and effective alternative therapies to increase physical activity. The goal of the investigators' is to determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) at increasing physical activity and related biological, psychological, and muscle function factors. This placebo controlled clinical trial will use a pre-test - post-test randomized experimental design.

Full description

Older healthy adults (60 and older) will participate in this study. Participants will undergo 4 weeks of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training. Participants will be randomized into the one of two groups 1) NMES-millicurrent or 2) NMES microcurrent. Participants will undergo pre- and post-training testing for muscle function, physical function, and psychological variables related to physical activity. Blood samples will also be obtained pre- and post-training.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• generally healthy men and women
• ages 60 and older

Exclusion criteria

• 1. they have participated in regular resistance training exercise or physical rehabilitation of the lower extremity within 2 months of the study
• 2. contraindicating conditions for electrical stimulation are present (i.e., swollen, infected or inflamed areas including open wounds, or painful areas on the lower limbs, implanted electronics including cardiac pacemakers, electronic infusion pumps, implanted stimulators, or surgical hardware in the lower limbs)
• 3. they have current knee injury or knee pain
• 4. have a neuromuscular disease
• 5. currently taking insulin for diabetes regulation
• 6. they have a history of seizures

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

NMES-Millicurrent Group

Experimental group

Description:

NMES-millicurrent group will receive the NMES experimental treatment. Stimulating electrodes will be applied to the quadriceps muscle of each leg 3 times a week for 4 weeks (12 sessions) for 40min on each leg.

Treatment:

Other: NMES-Millicurrent

NMES-Microcurrent Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

The NMES-microcurrent group will receive the Sham Treatment. The Sham Treatment will consist of electrode pad application for 40 mins on each leg, but electrical current will not be delivered. Otherwise all procedures will be the same as the NMES-millicurrent experimental group. Participants will be informed they are receiving microcurrent stimulation which is typically not felt by patients. Microcurrent stimulation is an actual type of electrical stimulation that is used therapeutically and is typically not felt by patients, however, participants will not receive this treatment. Participants will be informed of the actual treatment received at the study conclusion. Those in the Sham Group will be given the opportunity to receive the treatment at the conclusion of the study.

Treatment:

Other: NMES-Millicurrent