Category: Electric Stimulation (EMS & TENS)
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Chad’s Continued Electric Stimulation Notes 2015-17 and Onward
This is a continuation of the “Notes From My Year Year of Electric Muscle Stimulation” which is becoming one of my more popular blog posts. Those notes were what I wrote down as I did EMS (electric muscle stimulation) for all major muscle groups instead of weight training for an entire year (October 2013 thru…
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Electric Stimulation for RSD / CRPS (Chad’s Review)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), causalgia, and a host of other names is kind of like headaches and neuropathy were for me. In that I didn’t initially have any particular interest in the condition but I have a tremendous interests in electric stimulation, particularly electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)…
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My Continued Electric Stimulation Headache Data
The following is my headache results with electric muscle stimulation (EMS) and builds on a prior blog where I did the same thing but with somewhat different electrode placement, and slightly different parameters programmed into my EMS machines. Treatment results on 20 headaches had an average near immediate pain reduction of 90% effectiveness (which is…
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EMS, High-Frequency Fatigue and Pain, Particularly Headaches & Back Pain
I needed a break from fasting papers and, while I’m a big, BIG fan of EMS, and to a substantially lesser extent TENS, I am underwhelmed by high “kilohertz-frequency” alternating type currents as is commonly used in Russian stimulation for strength and interferential currents (IFC), sometimes used for both strength and pain. However, I thought…
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Carbonized Rubber Electrodes Best for EMS & TENS
Factors influencing quadriceps femoris muscle torque using transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation.Physical Therapy. 1991 Oct;71(10):715-21; discussion 722-3. Lieber RL, Kelly MJ. Abstract Quadriceps femoris muscle torque was measured in 40 subjects during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Three different electrode types (carbonized rubber, sponge, and adhesive) were used on each subject, permitting determination of the factors…
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TENS, More Electric Stimulation is Better than Less
Adjusting pulse amplitude during transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application produces greater hypoalgesia.Pantaleão MA, Laurino MF, Gallego NL, Cabral CM, Rakel B, Vance C, Sluka KA, Walsh DM, Liebano RE. J Pain. 2011 May;12(5):581-90. AbstractTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive technique used for pain modulation. During application of TENS there is a fading…
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TENS Electrodes Work Best Over Muscle or Soft Tissue
An investigation into the magnitude of the current window and perception of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sensation at various frequencies and body sites in healthy human participants. Hughes N, Bennett MI, Johnson MI.Clin J Pain. 2013 Feb;29(2):146-53. AbstractINTRODUCTION:Strong nonpainful transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is prerequisite to a successful analgesic outcome although the ease…
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Electroacupuncture and Motor Points
Bilateral effects of 6 weeks’ unilateral acupuncture and electroacupuncture on ankle dorsiflexors muscle strength: a pilot study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 Jan;93(1):50-5. Zhou S1, Huang LP, Liu J, Yu JH, Tian Q, Cao LJ. Normally I could completely disregard this paper because I am not a fan of acupuncture and agree with Colquhoun and…
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Notes from My Year of Electric Muscle Stimulation
“My own results have been so favorable that I am not interesting in debating whether or not EMS works but rather in optimizing the use of EMS in the training of elite athletes.” Charlie Francis About August or September of 2013 I got really interested in the capabilities of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for strengthening.…
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Electrical Stimulation for Paraplegia (Good News and Bad)
Muscle biopsies show that FES of denervated muscles reverses human muscle degeneration from permanent spinal motoneuron lesion. Kern H, Rossini K, Carraro U, Mayr W, Vogelauer M, Hoellwarth U, Hofer C. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 May-Jun;42(3 Suppl 1):43-53. AbstractThis paper presents biopsy analyses in support of the clinical evidence of muscle recovery induced by…
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Electrical Stimulation for Aerobics
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can elicit aerobic exercise response without undue discomfort in healthy physically active adults. Crognale D, Vito GD, Grosset JF, Crowe L, Minogue C, Caulfield B. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Jan;27(1):208-15.[Free Full Text] Abstract Recent studies have suggested that subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocols applied to the quadriceps and hamstrings may…
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Exercise Won’t Selectively Activate the VMO but Electric Stimulation Will
Effects of electrical stimulation of vastus medialis obliquus muscle in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: an electromyographic analysis. Garcia FR1, Azevedo FM, Alves N, Carvalho AC, Padovani CR, Negrão Filho RF. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2010 Nov-Dec;14(6):477-82. AbstractBACKGROUND:The use of surface electromyography (SEMG) has been considered a tool for quantitative assessment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).…
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Electric Stim to Prevent DVTs After Total Hip Replacement
Haemodynamic performance of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during recovery from total hip arthroplasty. Broderick BJ, Breathnach O, Condon F, Masterson E, Ólaighin G. J Orthop Surg Res. 2013 Mar 5;8:3. AbstractBACKGROUND:Patients post total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain at high risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) during the recovery period following surgery despite the availability of…
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EMS Effects the Brain as well as Muscles
Functional MRI determination of a dose-response relationship to lower extremity neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy subjects. Exp Brain Res. 2003 May;150(1):33-9. Epub 2003 Mar 27. Smith GV1, Alon G, Roys SR, Gullapalli RP. AbstractAlthough empirical evidence supports the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to treat physical impairments associated with stroke, the mechanisms underlying the…
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Electric Stimulation and Plantar Fasciitis
Use of low-frequency electrical stimulation for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2009 Nov-Dec;99(6):481-8. Stratton M1, McPoil TG, Cornwall MW, Patrick K. AbstractBACKGROUND:Recent research has discussed the use of low-frequency electrical stimulation to increase blood flow by eliciting muscular contraction in soft tissues. This randomized clinical trial examined the efficacy of…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation for Athletes
Electromyostimulation–a systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Sep;26(9):2600-14. Filipovic A1, Kleinöder H, Dörmann U, Mester J. AbstractThis is the first part of 2 studies that systematically review the current state of research and structure the results of selected…
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Fibromyalgia Pain Decreased 30% with TENS and Exercise
Effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at tender points as adjuvant therapy for patients with fibromyalgia. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2013 Apr;49(2):197-204. Carbonario F, Matsutani LA, Yuan SL, Marques AP. AbstractBACKGROUND:Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome associated with sleep disorders, fatigue and psychological symptoms. Combinations therapies, such as electrotherapy and therapeutic exercises have…
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Fibromyalgia Improved Immediatley with TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain, fatigue and hyperalgesia while restoring central inhibition in primary fibromyalgia. Pain. 2013 Nov;154(11):2554-62. Dailey DL, Rakel BA, Vance CG, Liebano RE, Amrit AS, Bush HM, Lee KS, Lee JE, Sluka KA. AbstractBecause transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works by reducing central excitability and activating central inhibition pathways, we tested…
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Central Sensitization and Chronic Pain
Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain. 2011 Mar;152(3 Suppl):S2-15. Woolf CJ. [FREE FULL TEXT] AbstractNociceptor inputs can trigger a prolonged but reversible increase in the excitability and synaptic efficacy of neurons in central nociceptive pathways, the phenomenon of central sensitization. Central sensitization manifests as pain hypersensitivity, particularly dynamic tactile allodynia, secondary…
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Greater EMS Rate Causes Greater Blood Flow with Peripheral Artery Disease
Calf muscle stimulation with the Veinoplus device results in a significant increase in lower limb inflow without generating limb ischemia or pain in patients with peripheral artery disease. J Vasc Surg. 2013 Mar;57(3):714-9. Abraham P1, Mateus V, Bieuzen F, Ouedraogo N, Cisse F, Leftheriotis G. AbstractOBJECTIVE:Increase in arterial inflow to the lower limbs is important…
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Electric Stimulation and Peripheral Vascular Disease
Chronic muscle stimulation improves ischaemic muscle performance in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Eur J Vasc Surg. 1994 Jul;8(4):419-22. Tsang GM1, Green MA, Crow AJ, Smith FC, Beck S, Hudlicka O, Shearman CP. AbstractThere is currently no established treatment for intermittent claudication with proven long term benefit. Exercise classes have been shown to improve walking…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and volitional exercise for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a multiple-patient case report. Physical Therapy. 2007 Aug;87(8):1064-77. Piva SR1, Goodnite EA, Azuma K, Woollard JD, Goodpaster BH, Wasko MC, Fitzgerald GK. AbstractBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Muscle atrophy is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a viable treatment for…
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EMS Increases Circulation and Function with Severe PVD
The influence of electrostimulation on the circulation of the remaining leg in patients with one-sided amputation. Angiology. 2002 May-Jun;53(3):329-35. Presern-Strukelj M1, Poredos P. AbstractThe aim of the authors’ study was to investigate, in patients with one leg amputated, the influence of electrostimulation on the arterial circulation of the other lower limb and on the ability of a…
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Electric Stimulation Increases Capillary Number and Oxygenation in Peripheral Vascular Disease
Noninvasive augmentation of microvessel number in patients with peripheral vascular disease. J Vasc Surg. 2003 Dec;38(6):1309-12. Clover AJ, McCarthy MJ, Hodgkinson K, Bell PR, Brindle NP. AbstractOBJECTIVE:Therapeutic angiogenesis has great potential for the treatment of ischemic diseases. One possible route for noninvasive induction of microvessels has recently been suggested by the finding that subcontractile electrical…
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Electric Stimulation for Intermittent Claudication
Chronic transcutaneous electrical stimulation of calf muscles improves functional capacity without inducing systemic inflammation in claudicants. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2004 Feb;27(2):201-9. Anderson SI, Whatling P, Hudlicka O, Gosling P, Simms M, Brown MD. Abstract OBJECTIVES: To assess whether electrical stimulation of ischaemic calf muscles in claudicants causes a systemic inflammatory response and to…
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Electrical Stimulation to Treat Cluster Headaches
Nociception specific supraorbital nerve stimulation may prevent cluster headache attacks: Serendipity in a blink reflex study. Cephalalgia. 2014 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print] Haane DY1, Koehler PJ. AbstractBACKGROUND:In cluster headache, neuromodulation is offered when patients are refractory to pharmacological prophylaxis. Non-invasive peripheral neuromodulatory approaches are of interest. We will focus on these and particularly…
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Migraine Headache Prevention with TENS (Cefaly Effectiveness Study)
Migraine prevention with a supraorbital transcutaneous stimulator: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2013 Feb 19;80(8):697-704. Schoenen J, Vandersmissen B, Jeangette S, Herroelen L, Vandenheede M, Gérard P, Magis D. Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of trigeminal neurostimulation with a supraorbital transcutaneous stimulator (Cefaly, STX-Med., Herstal, Belgium) in migraine prevention. METHODS: This was a…
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Safety and Satisfaction of Cefaly (Headband TENS) for Headaches
Safety and patients’ satisfaction of transcutaneous supraorbital neurostimulation (tSNS) with the Cefaly® device in headache treatment: a survey of 2,313 headache sufferers in the general population. J Headache Pain. 2013 Dec 1;14:95. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-95. Magis D, Sava S, d’Elia TS, Baschi R, Schoenen J. AbstractBACKGROUND:Transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation (tSNS) with the Cefaly® device was recently…
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Migraine Headaches, Electric Stimulation and Paresthesia Concordancy
Peripheral neuromodulation and headaches: history, clinical approach, and considerations on underlying mechanisms. Reed KL. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013 Jan;17(1):305.< From the Review: “With the publication of their “Gate Control Theory” of pain modulation in 1965, Wall and Melzack provided a conceptual mechanistic foundation for considering direct electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral…
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EMS Decreases Pain, Numbness, Burning, and Improves Sleep with Neuropathy
External electric muscle stimulation improves burning sensations and sleeping disturbances in patients with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic neuropathy. Pain Med. 2009 Mar;10(2):413-9. Humpert PM, Morcos M, Oikonomou D, Schaefer K, Hamann A, Bierhaus A, Schilling T, Nawroth PP. OBJECTIVE: External muscle stimulation (EMS) of the thighs was previously shown to have beneficial effects in…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation Better than TENS for Neuropathy
Effective treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy by high-frequency external muscle stimulation. Diabetologia. 2005 May;48(5):824-8. Reichstein L, Labrenz S, Ziegler D, Martin S. Abstract AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Diabetic distal symmetrical sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) affects 20-30% of diabetic patients. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical spinal cord stimulation have been proposed as physical therapies. We performed a controlled,…
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Electric Stimulation Complementary with Drug Treatment for Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Effectiveness of electrotherapy and amitriptyline for symptomatic relief. Diabetes Care. 1998 Aug;21(8):1322-5. Kumar D, Alvaro MS, Julka IS, Marshall HJ. From the study: Abstract OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of combining electrotherapy with amitriptyline for the management of chronic painful peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:Patients (n =…
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Electric Stimulation Decreases/Eliminates Painful Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: amelioration of pain with transcutaneous electrostimulation. Diabetes Care. 1997 Nov;20(11):1702-5. Kumar D, Marshall HJ. Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrotherapy for chronic painful peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy were randomized to the electrotherapy…
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EMS Better than TENS for Pain
Combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of chronic back pain: a double-blind, repeated measures comparison. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1997 Jan;78(1):55-60. Moore SR1, Shurman J. INTERVENTIONS:Subjects self-administered NMES, combined NMES/TENS, TENS, and placebo treatments. Each treatment had a duration of 5 consecutive hours per day over 2 consecutive days, with…
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Electric Stimulation Increases Strength and Decreases Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) reduces structural and functional losses of quadriceps muscle and improves health status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Res. 2013 Apr;31(4):511-6. From the study: “OA patients presented smaller vastus lateralis thickness (11.9 mm) and fascicle length (20.5%) than healthy subjects (14.1 mm; 24.5%), and also had a 23% smaller knee…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation Prevents Atrophy after Total Knee Replacement
Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy. 2012 Feb;92(2):210-26. Stevens-Lapsley JE1, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. From the study: “Sixty-six patients, aged 50 to 85 years and planning a primary unilateral TKA, were randomly assigned to receive either standard rehabilitation…
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Physical Therapy after Total Knee Arthoplasty: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Causes a Significant Boost in Quadriceps Strength
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps muscle strengthening after bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a case series. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2004 Jan;34(1):21-9. AbstractSTUDY DESIGN:A case series. OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this case series was to assess the effect of high-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps strength and voluntary activation following total knee arthroplasty…
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Physical Therapy and EMS after Total Knee Arthoplasty: More Current = More Muscle
Relationship between intensity of quadriceps muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation and strength recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Physical Therapy. 2012 Sep;92(9):1187-96. AbstractBACKGROUND:Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can facilitate the recovery of quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet the optimal intensity (dosage) of NMES and its effect on strength after TKA have yet to be…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation Well Tolerated by Patients at Sufficient Intensities to Strengthen Muscle after Total Knee Replacement
Response of male and female subjects after total knee arthroplasty to repeated neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Jun;89(6):464-72. AbstractOBJECTIVES:To examine responses to repeated neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris muscle in male and female subjects after total knee arthroplasty. DESIGN:Sixty-four subjects who underwent total knee…
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Cluster Headaches and Migraines, What I Am Learning from the Surgically Implanted Electrical Stimulation Studies.
Greater occipital nerve stimulation via the Bion microstimulator: implantation technique and stimulation parameters. Clinical trial: NCT00205894. Pain Physician. 2009 May-Jun;12(3):621-8. Abstract BACKGROUND: Millions of patients suffer from medically refractory and disabling primary headache disorders. This problem has led to a search for new and innovative treatment modalities, including neuromodulation of the occipital nerves. OBJECTIVES: The…
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Electric Stimulation for Headaches, Migraines (My Results)
This treatment is serendipitous, so I’ll add some background information on how I came to it. As shown by my other blogs, in the last year I’ve been especially interested in electric muscle stimulation (EMS) to help recovery by accelerating strength gains better than exercise alone. A number of my knee and back pain patients…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation BEFORE Total Knee Replacement Improves Outcomes
“Effects of preoperative neuromuscular electrical stimulation on quadriceps strength and functional recovery in total knee arthroplasty. A pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010 Jun 14;11:119. ” <br) BACKGROUND: Supervised preoperative muscle strengthening programmes (prehabilitation) can improve recovery after total joint arthroplasty but are considered resource intensive. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to improve…
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Electric Muscle Stimulation for Strength, How to Make It Work.
”Electromyostimulation–a systematic review of the influence of training regimens and stimulation parameters on effectiveness in electromyostimulation training of selected strength parameters. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Nov;25(11):3218-38. ” Since I plan to discuss a number of studies on electric stimulation, I figured I should get this one out there. It gives some background as to which…
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Physical Therapy and EMS: Restores Activation, Strength 1 Year Post TKA
”The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve activation deficits in a patient with chronic quadriceps strength impairments following total knee arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2006 Sep;36(9):678-85.” This was a single-patient case study of a patient who had high level function but persistent quadriceps weakness and activation deficits 13.5 months post op.…
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EMS Decreases Back Pain, Increases Core Strength, Endurance
“Effects of electrical stimulation program on trunk muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and depression in the patients with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Rheumatol Int. 2009 Jun;29(8):947-54.” Right now this is my favorite electric muscle stimulation (EMS) study with regards to low back pain as I read it soon after I…