Central contributions to contractions evoked by tetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2007 Jul;35(3):102-9. doi: 10.1097/jes.0b013e3180a0321b.

Abstract

Tetanic electrical stimulation applied over human muscle or peripheral nerve generates contractions by depolarizing motor axons beneath the stimulating electrodes. However, the simultaneous depolarization of sensory axons can also contribute to the contractions by the synaptic recruitment of spinal motoneurons. Maximizing this central contribution may be beneficial for reducing muscle atrophy or restoring movement for persons with movement disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons
  • Humans
  • Movement Disorders / complications
  • Movement Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / rehabilitation
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Spinal Nerves
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*