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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Augmented visual feedback counteracts the effects of surface muscular functional electrical stimulation on physiological tremor

Authors: Giuliana Grimaldi, Alfredo Fernandez, Mario Manto

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Recent studies suggest that surface muscular functional electrical stimulation (FES) might suppress neurological upper limb tremor. We assessed its effects on upper limb physiological tremor, which is mainly driven by mechanical-reflex oscillations. We investigated the interaction between FES and augmented visual feedback, since (a) most daily activities are performed using visual cues, and (b) augmented visual feedback exacerbates upper limb tremor.

Methods

10 healthy subjects (23.4 ± 7.7 years) performed 2 postural tasks with combinations of FES (4 sites; frequency of stimulation: 30 Hz; pulse width: 300 microsec; range of current delivered 10–34 mAmp) and augmented visual feedback.

Results

Spectral analysis of tremor showed a decrease of power spectral density to 62.18% (p = 0.01), of the integral in the 8-12 Hz frequency band to 57.67% (p = 0.003), and of tremor root mean square (RMS) to 57.16% (p = 0.002) during FES, without any changes in tremor frequency. Augmented visual feedback blocked the beneficial effect of FES, as confirmed by power spectral analysis (p = 0.01). We found a statistically significant interaction between augmented visual feedback and electrical stimulation (p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Augmented visual feedback antagonizes the effects of FES on physiological tremor. The absence of changes of peak frequency argues against an effect of FES on mechanical properties of the upper limb.

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Title: Augmented visual feedback counteracts the effects of surface muscular functional electrical stimulation on physiological tremor
Authors: Giuliana Grimaldi
Alfredo Fernandez
Mario Manto
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-10-100

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Augmented visual feedback counteracts the effects of surface muscular functional electrical stimulation on physiological tremor

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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