Burst‐modulated wide‐pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation enhances H‐reflex recruitment in rats. Issue 4 (3rd February 2020) - Qu, Wen
Abstract: Introduction: In this study we investigated whether burst‐modulated wide‐pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve the H‐reflex and activation efficiency of sensory fibers. Methods: NMES‐induced electromyography (EMG) was recorded from hindpaw plantar muscles in 11 anesthetized rats. A burst‐modulated wide pulse (mWP) with three carrier frequencies (2 kHz, 5 kHz, and 10 kHz) and a continuous wide‐pulse (WP) were delivered to the tibial nerve of each rat. The evoked Hoffman (H)‐reflexes were measured to evaluate nerve activation efficiency using the H‐reflex recruitment curve (HRC). Results: Relative to WP simulation, mWP stimulation required less electrical charge to excite sensory fibers and improved the H‐reflex recruitment. Greater electrical charge and smaller recruitment gains were obtained with increased carrier frequency of mWP. Discussion: mWP NMES can improve stimulation efficiency and improve recruitment of sensory fibers on tibial nerve stimulation, which may help to optimize NMES stimulus parameters.