Tomotaka Ito, RPT, MS, Akio Tsubahara, MD, DMSc, Yuta Seno, RPT, BS, Hiroshi Tokuhiro,
RPT, BS, Susumu Watanabe, RPT, PhD
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2: 31-35, 2011
Objective: To determine the best method to effectively
generate hip flexion torque by using transcutaneous
electrical stimulation in a fundamental study to restore
the motor function of those with disabilities caused by
central nervous system disorders.
Methods: Eleven healthy men participated in this
study. Isometric hip flexion torque and the degree of
pain during electrical stimulation were measured to
determine the optimal stimulation site. The interferential
frequency was 30 Hz. The duration of stimulation was
2 seconds, which was followed by a 15-second pause,
and this was repeated 3 times. The electrodes were
placed at 3 different sites: (1) on the sartorius and the
tensor fasciae latae, (2) on the sartorius and the rectus
femoris, and (3) on the rectus femoris and the tensor
fasciae latae. The maximum tolerable intensity was
determined for each of the 3 methods. Then the lowest
current was used as the stimulus intensity for
measurements. The contraction ratio was calculated by
dividing the torque value of each individual muscle by
the sum of the torque values of all muscles.
Results: The contraction ratio of the rectus femoris
was significantly larger than that of the sartorius.
Significant differences were not observed in the torque
values or the degree of pain.
Conclusion: Electrical stimulation should be applied
to the rectus femoris at the lowest stimulus intensity to
produce the largest hip flexion torque.
Key words: transcutaneous electrical stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, hip flexion, torque, pain