Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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The objective of this study was to test myoelectrically controlled functional electrical stimulation of the same muscle (AutoMCS) on patients with either stroke or spinal cord injury. The paretic anterior tibialis (TA) muscle was stimulated with an amplitude controlled continuously by the volitional myoelectric signal from the same muscle. Surface electrodes were used and volitional myoelectric signals were extracted by analog/digital signal processing techniques. ⋯ An immediate carryover effect was seen in one stroke subject. The analysis of the tracking control showed only little loss of controllability with the system. We conclude that for selected subjects this method can instantly increase the muscle force of the anterior tibialis without significantly compromising tracking control or tracking delay.
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The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of ipsilateral vs. contralateral as well as simultaneous placement of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes in somatic receptive fields on spontaneous and noxiously evoked dorsal horn cell activity in anesthetized cats. Recordings were made from cells in the left gray matter of lumbosacral segments. In this study ipsilateral means left and contralateral means right. ⋯ When comparing contralateral vs. ipsilateral effects, the most significant reduction (p < 0.004) in mean cell activity occurred with ipsilateral (left) placement of the electrodes. For bilateral application (simultaneous ipsilateral and contralateral) of TENS electrodes, 66% of the cells demonstrated a significant additive effect in reducing spontaneous and noxiously evoked cell activity. Clinically, the results might suggest that analgesia can result from bilateral placement of electrodes or by placement of electrodes in the contralateral dermatome (somatic field) when certain clinical conditions may prevent the placement of electrodes on the same side (ipsilateral) as the perceived pain.
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Objectives. The goal of this work is to study and develop an electrical integrated system that allows the control of the basic functions (such as micturition, defecation, and erection) by sacral root stimulation in paraplegic patients. Materials and Methods. ⋯ The architecture of the new stimulator, applied over the sacral roots, can be used to control the voiding of the bladder. The system allows an independent distance programmable stimulation. The impedance measurement circuit implemented allows an easy and systematic performance test.
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Objective. Intrathecal opioid/local anesthetic mixtures are a popular alternative in contemporary treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain. Unfortunately, its use is based solely on retrospective studies or anecdotal reports. ⋯ Addition of bupivacaine to the intrathecal opioid failed to produce significant improvement in pain control. Conclusion. At currently used doses, intrathecal opioid bupivacaine mixtures are not more efficacious in the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain than opioid alone.