Evaluation in 15 Participants of Blood Flow, Comfort and Efficiency, Using 1 vs 36 Hz Stimulation Via Textile Electrodes

Muscle contractions induced by calf low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (C-LI-NMES) can increase venous return and may reduce venous thromboembolism. This study aimed to compare the effect of different C-LI-NMES frequencies and plateau times on hemodynamics, discomfort and energy efficiency, when applied via sock-integrated transverse textile electrodes.

Fifteen healthy participants were stimulated via two 3x3cm transverse textile electrodes integrated in a sock, with ten different combinations of frequency (1Hz or 36Hz) and plateau times (0.5/1.5/3/5/7s), with gradually increasing NMES-intensity until plantar flexion-induction. At this point, popliteal peak venous velocity (PVV), time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV) and ejection volume (EV) were assessed by Doppler-ultrasound, discomfort by a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) and values for current amplitude and energy were calculated based on the NMES-device´s intensity level. Values expressed with median (interquartile range), significance set to p\<0.05.