TY - JOUR T1 - Alternate current neuromuscular electrical stimulation in severe COPD: A pilot study JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 42 IS - Suppl 57 SP - P2219 AU - Anton R.J. Van Keimpema AU - Hugo Moolenaar AU - Peter Klijn Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2219.abstract N2 - Neuromuscular stimulation (NMS) of the lower limbs improves muscle function in patients with severe COPD. Compared to stimulation with direct current, alternate current NMS may be advantageous because of comfort, motor unit activation and the possibility of serial functional contractions. We studied the effects of alternate current NMS on muscle function and functional performance in patients with severe COPD.MethodsIn 13 COPD patients (FEV1 27% pred, 6 MWD 277m, BMI 22 kg/m2, FFMi 15 kg/m2) NMS was performed bilaterally in both Quadriceps and Triceps Surea (5 days/week for 4 weeks) using Enraf Nonius Endomed 684 with sponge electrodes (at 2000Hz, AC 50Hz, Cycle time 8 sec, contraction time 4 sec, 170º knee/hip flexion, 30 stimulations of 16 sec). No other lower limb training was performed during this period.ResultsThe treatment was well tolerated. Significant improvements were found for the Timed Up and Go Test, 9±2 to 8±2 sec and for isometric quadriceps force left leg 212±58 to 236±59 N and right leg 204±69 to 232±60; all p<0,05.ConclusionAlternate current NMS is well tolerated and improves leg muscle function and functional performance in severe COPD. ER -