Applicability of an electrical resistance modulator device in the rehabilitation of a person with spinal cord injury

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Technology is in rapid and continuous evolution. The recovery of functions, motor, and cognitive activities benefits from it to define new outcome measures and new rehabilitation processes. This study evaluates the applicability of an electrical resistance modulator device for rehabilitation purposes for a person with spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 10 healthy, able-bodied subjects assessed in a light wheelchair. A resistance training mode is compared using the electrical resistance modulator device and a standard strength training protocol with the aid of two weights, through an electromyographic and a kinematic evaluation with a triaxial accelerometer. The movements investigated consist of arm abduction-adduction, arm elevation-extension and elbow flexion-extension. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the flexion-extension gesture of the arm, there is a greater symmetry of muscle activation and less activation of the muscles not directly involved in the movement during the use of the electrical resistance modulator device. In the flexion-extension of the elbow and flexion-extension of the shoulder, the muscle power expressed through the electrical device is greater, while in the abduction-adduction of the shoulder, it is more significant with weights. For the joint Range of Motion, the duration of the motion cycles and their symmetry, there are no significant differences between the two experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirm that training for increasing muscle strength in a person with spinal cord injury can be performed using the electrical resistance modulator device. There are no contraindications to its use nor greater risks for the subject’s health. Further studies are needed to investigate the benefits of using the electrical device in the early stages of rehabilitation of a person with spinal cord injury.