Blood Flow Restricted Electrical Stimulation During Immobilisation

Investigating the Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction Training on Physiological Deconditioning During Unloading and Retraining

Following injury or surgery to a limb, it is often immobilised to allow tissue healing. Short periods of disuse cause loss of muscle size and strength and impaired mechanical properties of tendons, which leads to reduced function. Strategies to combat these deconditioning adaptations include neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), however at present its effectiveness is limited. Recent research suggests that the effects of NMES can be augmented with blood flow restriction (BFR). At present, the effect of combining these two techniques on muscle function during limb immobilisation is unknown. Furthermore, the impact of BFR training during retraining following immobilisation is unknown.

Following injury or surgery to a limb, it is often immobilised to allow tissue healing. Short periods of disuse cause loss of muscle size and strength and impaired mechanical properties of tendons, which leads to reduced function. Strategies to combat these deconditioning adaptations include neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), however at present its effectiveness is limited. Recent research suggests that the effects of NMES can be augmented with blood flow restriction (BFR). At present, the effect of combining these two techniques on muscle function during limb immobilisation is unknown. Furthermore, the impact of BFR training during retraining following immobilisation is unknown.

This study will examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction protocol during a 7 day period of immobilisation. Multiple measures across several physiological systems will be obtained.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between the age of 18-55
• Non-smoker
• No previous history of cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological problems
• Not taking anticoagulant medication
• Injury-free in the 3 months prior to scheduled participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypertension (<140/80)
• Metal work in-situ
• Blood diseases or clotting issues
• Injury or previous injury (<3 months prior to scheduled participation in the study)
• Pregnancy