Theory of Noninvasive Electromuscular Stimulation
The process - called Electromuscular Stimulation was developed to assist in various types of muscle rehabilitation and to prevent muscle degeneration in paralyzed patients, but it has quickly been adapted to others protocols as well.
In normal exercise, the brain sends signal through the nerves to the muscles. When the signal reaches the muscle, it triggers a chemical reaction, which causes the muscle tissue to contract. This twitch usually involves several muscular motor points simultaneously and is proportional to the intensity of stimulus.
In clinical practice, EMS equipment is generating a very weak electric impulse that is used to produce a strong muscular contraction similar to a normal voluntary contraction. In electrical muscle stimulation the number of muscles involved in a contraction can be controlled by the number of electrodes placed on the muscles and the parameters of the stimulating signal. In general, when the muscles are electrically or otherwise stimulated its contractile force depends on the amplitude of stimulus, the duration of stimulating pulse and its frequency - repetition rate.
Contra-Indications, Warnings & Precautions for Electromuscular Stimulation
Long-term effects of chronic electrical stimulation are unknown. Also, is has not been established that the use of EMS device during pregnancy is safe. Adequate precautions should be taken in case of person with suspected heart problems or epilepsy.
EMS device should not be applied transcerebrally, or over the carotid sinus nerves, especially in patients with a known sensitivity to the carotid sinus reflex. EMS device should only be used under medical supervision for adjunctive therapy for the treatment of medical diseases and conditions.
In any type of exercise, whether it be passive or active, normal precautions should be observed. However, muscle stimulation treatment should not be given when any of following conditions exist:
- Persons with implanted pacemakers.
- Over a pregnant uterus.
- Cancerous lesions.
In addition to the above, treatment should not be given without a physicians approval and supervision where any of the following conditions are present:
- Any inflammation, infection or recent scar tissue in the area to be treated.
- All skin diseases.
- Any acute medical condition under treatment, such as recent surgery or illness.
- Swollen, infected, inflamed areas, or skin eruption, e.g., phlebitis, thrombo phlebitis.
- Varicose veins in the advanced stage or where there is any convoluted area, such as nodules.
- Heart conditions under medical treatment.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Allergy to rubber.
Caution should be used when the following conditions are present:
- Where there is a tendency to hemorrhage following acute trauma or fracture.
- Following recent surgical procedure when muscle contraction may disrupt the healing process.
- Over the menstruating uterus.
- Where sensory nerve damage is present by a loss of normal skin sensation.
Caution should be used in the transthoracic application of EMS devices in that the introduction of electrical current into the heart may cause arrhythmia's.
Some patients may experience skin irritation or hypersensitivity due to electrical stimulation or electrical conductive medium. The irritation can usually be reduced by use of an alternate conductive medium, or alternate electrode placement.
Severe spasm of laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles may occur when the electrodes are positioned over the neck or mouth. The contraction may be strong enough to close the airway or cause difficulty in breathing.
EMS devices should be kept out of reach of children. |
