FES weight shifting pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study to determine if functional electrical stimulation can produce weight shifting movements that create suitable skeletal loading to attenuate osteoporosis in a single subject with spinal cord injury.
IRAS ID
170863
Contact name
William Holderbaum
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 2 days
Research summary
Following spinal cord injury (SCI) there is an increased risk of low bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in the lower limbs. Low BMD is associated with an increased risk of fracture. Lower extremity fracture may result in long-term hospital stays and is associated with an increased risk of mortality in older people with SCI.
Bones adapt to the forces they are placed under, and it is estimated that the threshold of force needed to elicit bone adaptation is 150% of bodyweight. In the general population this is often achieved through weight bearing exercise, consistent with NHS guidelines of weight bearing exercise to prevent osteoporosis (decreased BMD). However, due to paralysis in SCI traditional forms of weight bearing exercise may not be possible.Functional electrical stimulation (FES) provides a method of producing controlled movement in people with paralysis. Electrodes are attached over the skin above targeted muscles. An electric current is then passed through the electrode causing the underlying muscle to contract (activate). By controlling the timing of the currents passed through different electrodes it is possible to activate muscles in a specific order to produce a desired movement. Previous uses of FES in SCI include walking, cycling, and rowing.
This pilot study aims to use FES to produce weight-shifting from foot to foot movements during stance in a single subject. This research will be conducted at Coventry University, by a research team consisting of staff from both Coventry University and the University of Reading. Positioning of the body and forces between the ground and the feet will be measured during these movements. This information will be used to calculate the forces acting on the bone. A finding of calculated forces over the 150% of bodyweight threshold to elicit bone adaptations will support this protocol as a possible method of increasing BMD in SCI.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0299
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion