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Using Physiological Markers to Assess Comfort during Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Induced Muscle Contraction in a Virtually Guided Environment: Pilot Study for a Path toward Combating ICU-Acquired Weakness

Authors :
Ahmad Abou-Hamde
Lauren Philippi
Eric Jones
Christian Martin
Kingsley Wu
Michael Kundell
Sunita Mathur
Alireza Sadeghian
Maryam Davoudpour
Jane Batt
Adriana Ieraci
Sharon Gabison
Source :
Sensors, Vol 24, Iss 11, p 3599 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

We assessed the feasibility of implementing a virtually guided Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) protocol over the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle while collecting heart rate (HR), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and quality of contraction (QoC) data. We investigated if HR, NPRS, and QoC differ ON and OFF the TA motor point and explored potential relationships between heart rate variability (HRV) and the NPRS. Twelve healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Three NMES trials were delivered ON and OFF the TA motor point. HR, QoC, and NPRS data were collected. There was no significant difference in HRV ON and OFF the motor point (p > 0.05). The NPRS was significantly greater OFF the motor point (p < 0.05). The QoC was significantly different between motor point configurations (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the NPRS and HRV (p > 0.05, r = −0.129). We recommend non-electrical methods of measuring muscle activity for future studies. The NPRS and QoC can be administered virtually. Time-domain HRV measures could increase the validity of the protocol. The variables should be explored further virtually to enhance the protocol before eventual ICU studies.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14248220
Volume :
24
Issue :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Sensors
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.18826998f9684487961b0afe81c687b4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113599