Wise Young
09-27-2001, 10:24 AM
http://feswww.fes.cwru.edu/projects/rjtscrf.htm
Preventing Pressure Sores with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Principal Investigators:
Ronald J. Triolo, Ph.D., John Chae, M.D.
Target Population: Persons with spinal cord injury who have a history of severe pressure sores
Abstract:
Pressure sores are a major secondary complication of spinal cord injury and can have serious adverse effects on the psychological and physical well-being of the individual. They are also very expensive, requiring long periods of bedrest and possible surgery for successful healing. Methods of prevention have tended to conentrate on devices such as support cushions and reclining wheelchairs. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a method of changing the characteristics of paralyzed muscles so that the response to long-term loading, particularly in a wheelchair, may be improved. This study will therefore assess the effects of bilateral NMES on the gluteal muscles in the buttock region. Implanted percutaneous electrodes will be used with a 4-channel programmable stimulator system. Ten subjects with a history of severe pressure sores will participate in the study. Progressive changes in muscle bulk and blood flow through the capillaries just below the skin will be monitored using computerized tomography (CT) scans and transcutaneous oxygen measurement. These measurements will give a good indication of the health, or viability, of the skin and muscle. It is expected that this pilot study will provide preliminary data on the therapeutic use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for improving the properties of paralyzed muscle so that the incidence of pressure sores in people with SCI can be reduced.
This is a new study beginning in 1997.
Project Sponsor:
Spinal Cord Research Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more information contact:
Kath Bogie
Cleveland FES Center
11000 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-3052
(216)231-3257 (216)231-3258 FAX
or
Rehabilitation Engineering Center, H 601
MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109-1998
(216)778-3604 (216)778-4259 FAX
E-Mail: kmb3@po.cwru.edu
Preventing Pressure Sores with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Principal Investigators:
Ronald J. Triolo, Ph.D., John Chae, M.D.
Target Population: Persons with spinal cord injury who have a history of severe pressure sores
Abstract:
Pressure sores are a major secondary complication of spinal cord injury and can have serious adverse effects on the psychological and physical well-being of the individual. They are also very expensive, requiring long periods of bedrest and possible surgery for successful healing. Methods of prevention have tended to conentrate on devices such as support cushions and reclining wheelchairs. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a method of changing the characteristics of paralyzed muscles so that the response to long-term loading, particularly in a wheelchair, may be improved. This study will therefore assess the effects of bilateral NMES on the gluteal muscles in the buttock region. Implanted percutaneous electrodes will be used with a 4-channel programmable stimulator system. Ten subjects with a history of severe pressure sores will participate in the study. Progressive changes in muscle bulk and blood flow through the capillaries just below the skin will be monitored using computerized tomography (CT) scans and transcutaneous oxygen measurement. These measurements will give a good indication of the health, or viability, of the skin and muscle. It is expected that this pilot study will provide preliminary data on the therapeutic use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for improving the properties of paralyzed muscle so that the incidence of pressure sores in people with SCI can be reduced.
This is a new study beginning in 1997.
Project Sponsor:
Spinal Cord Research Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more information contact:
Kath Bogie
Cleveland FES Center
11000 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-3052
(216)231-3257 (216)231-3258 FAX
or
Rehabilitation Engineering Center, H 601
MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109-1998
(216)778-3604 (216)778-4259 FAX
E-Mail: kmb3@po.cwru.edu