Electrical Stimulation of Muscle: Electrophysiology and Rehabilitation

Physiology (Bethesda). 2020 Jan 1;35(1):40-56. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00015.2019.

Abstract

The generation of action potentials in intramuscular motor and sensory axons in response to an imposed external current source can evoke muscle contractions and elicit widespread responses throughout the nervous system that impact sensorimotor function. The benefits experienced by individuals exposed to several weeks of treatment with electrical stimulation of muscle suggest that the underlying adaptations involve several physiological systems, but little is known about the specific changes elicited by such interventions.

Keywords: central nervous system; electrical stimulation; electrophysiology; evoked contractions; therapeutic benefits.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Electromyography / methods
  • Humans
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Muscular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / rehabilitation