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Electrical Stimulation in Older Adults

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Aged
Interventions
Device: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Registration Number
NCT06046885
Lead Sponsor
University of Gran Rosario
Brief Summary

Within the problems associated with population aging and its morbidities, the musculoskeletal system is involved in detrimental changes, compromising, in many cases, the functional capacity of the patient and their correct performance in the activities of daily living. Gait and stability are central axes to analyze and enhance in the elderly patient. Strategies for magnify these qualities are innumerable, although active exercise and electrostimulation comprise the most scientifically developed. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of an electrostimulation (EE) program applied to the triceps surae in older adults on the temporo-spatial parameters of gait, stability and function.

Detailed Description

This is a quasi-experimental study with a sample of 13 volunteers. Patients of both genders and over 60 years old will be potential candidates for participating in the study. Volunteers will be invited to participate in the study through social networks and e-mail.

The study will be conducted in 12 experimental sessions on different days and 2 assessment days. During assessment sessions several measurements will be performed, including: balance (will be assessed using a balance tracking system balance plate) function (will be assessed by using the Short Physical Performance Battery) and gait (will be assessed using the Legsys device employing a 4 meter walk test).

The G-Power program (version 3.1.5, Franz Faul, Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany) was used to perform the one-tailed sample calculation using a previous study . The isometric strenght of gastrocnemius was chosen as the main variable with an effect size of 0.70. The alpha level was set at 5%, and the estimated sampling power was 80%. The software returned a total sample of 13 individuals.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
15
Inclusion Criteria

. To have signed the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria
  • Surgical history of the lower extremities
  • Uncontrolled neurological, metabolic disease
  • Uncontrolled cardiac disease
  • Uncontrolled respiratory disease

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ElectricalstimulationNeuromuscular electrical stimulation-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in ankle plantar-flexion strengthAt baseline and 6 weeks later

The ankle plantar-flexion strength will be measured with a wii balance board with the subject seated. A strap was placed distally on the thigh and passed directly over the external malleolus. The subject was asked to pull against the strap by extending his ankle while pushing with the sole of their foot and trying to lift the heel.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
FunctionAt baseline and 6 weeks later

Function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, this test uses the time (in seconds) that a person takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around 180 degrees, walk back to the chair and sit down while turning 180 degrees.

Change in balanceAt baseline and 6 weeks later

Balance will be assessed using a balance tracking system balance plate (Balance Tracking Systems, San Diego, CA). Participants stood on the plate for six testing trials. The first three measurement were made with bipedal stance and eyes closed, for about 30 seconds. The next three assessments were made with monopodal support on the right foot and the las 3 measurements were made with monopodal support on the left foot each monopodal repetition last 15 seconds.

Change in handgrip strengthAt baseline and 6 weeks later

The handgrip was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer while the subjects were sited.

Change in gait speedAt baseline and 6 weeks later

The gait speed was assessed by using the time that a person takes to walk 4 meters distance. The test also included an acceleration phase of 2,5 meters, and a deceleration phase of 2,5 meters too.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Gran Rosario

🇦🇷

Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

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