Atrophy, Disuse, Atrophy, Muscular
Conditions
Keywords
immobilisation, blood flow restriction, neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Brief summary
Following injury or surgery to a limb, it is often immobilised to allow tissue healing. Short periods of disuse cause loss of muscle size and strength and impaired mechanical properties of tendons, which leads to reduced function. Strategies to combat these deconditioning adaptations include neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), however at present its effectiveness is limited. Recent research suggests that the effects of NMES can be augmented with blood flow restriction (BFR). At present, the effect of combining these two techniques on muscle function during limb immobilisation is unknown. Furthermore, the impact of BFR training during retraining following immobilisation is unknown.
Detailed description
Following injury or surgery to a limb, it is often immobilised to allow tissue healing. Short periods of disuse cause loss of muscle size and strength and impaired mechanical properties of tendons, which leads to reduced function. Strategies to combat these deconditioning adaptations include neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), however at present its effectiveness is limited. Recent research suggests that the effects of NMES can be augmented with blood flow restriction (BFR). At present, the effect of combining these two techniques on muscle function during limb immobilisation is unknown. Furthermore, the impact of BFR training during retraining following immobilisation is unknown. This study will examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction protocol during a 7 day period of immobilisation. Multiple measures across several physiological systems will be obtained.
Interventions
OTHERNeuromuscular electrical stimulation with blood flow restriction
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation with blood flow restriction
Sponsors
St Mary's University College
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Between the age of 18-55 * Non-smoker * No previous history of cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological problems * Not taking anticoagulant medication * Injury-free in the 3 months prior to scheduled participation in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Hypertension (\<140/80) * Metal work in-situ * Blood diseases or clotting issues * Injury or previous injury (\<3 months prior to scheduled participation in the study) * Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in maximal isometric strength via Biodex Dynamometer | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Strength measure |
| Change in maximal isokinetic strength via Biodex Dynamometer | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Strength measure |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in muscle VO2 via near-infrared spectroscopy | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | VO2 measure |
| Change in blood markers via venous blood samples | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Blood markers |
| Change in muscle endurance via Biodex Dynamometer | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Endurance measure |
| Change in corticomotor excitability and inhibition, via transcranial magnetic stimulation | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Corticospinal function |
| Change in pressure pain thresholds via handheld allometry | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Pain measure |
| Change in muscle morphology via 2D and 3D ultrasonography | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | Morphology measure |
Contacts
Primary ContactLuke Hughes, PhD
Backup ContactStephen Patterson, PhD
Outcome results
None listed