Waugaman W A
University of Colorado, Electrical Engineering Program, Boulder 80309, USA.
Biomed Sci Instrum. 1997;34:131-6.
The goal of this research is to determine the optimum electrical current for subthreshold electrical stimulation. The first step is to collect atrophied muscle impedance data from children with neuromuscular disorders using Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA). Then to incorporate this impedance data into a model using the 3-D Finite Element Method (FEM). This will allow the evaluation of electric current densities in the target muscle resulting from Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation (TES). Using the FEM, optimum electrical stimulation parameters, levels, and electrode placement can be determined. The FEM will provide the first means to determine the quantity of electric current flowing through the target muscle from surface electrode stimulation. TES is adding new life to electrical stimulation therapy. TES is low intensity (subthreshold), long duration transcutaneous stimulation using surface electrodes. TES effects muscle growth and peripheral nerve sprouting leading to increased functional control and sensation. The initial parameters used in TES have been proven clinically to be effective for use in rehabilitation therapy for people with neuromuscular disorders. This research is the first step towards optimization of the TES protocol. Ultimately, the results will lead to improved quality of life for children with neuromuscular disorders.
本研究的目标是确定亚阈值电刺激的最佳电流。第一步是使用生物电阻抗分析（BIA）从患有神经肌肉疾病的儿童中收集萎缩肌肉的阻抗数据。然后使用三维有限元方法（FEM）将该阻抗数据纳入模型。这将允许评估由治疗性电刺激（TES）产生的目标肌肉中的电流密度。使用有限元方法，可以确定最佳电刺激参数、水平和电极放置。有限元方法将提供第一种手段来确定从表面电极刺激流过目标肌肉的电流量。TES正在为电刺激疗法注入新的活力。TES是使用表面电极进行的低强度（亚阈值）、长时间的经皮刺激。TES影响肌肉生长和周围神经发芽，从而导致功能控制和感觉增强。TES中使用的初始参数已在临床上被证明对神经肌肉疾病患者的康复治疗有效。这项研究是优化TES方案的第一步。最终，结果将改善神经肌肉疾病儿童的生活质量。
