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  4. The effect of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation-resistance training and protein supplementation on lean mass in persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

The effect of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation-resistance training and protein supplementation on lean mass in persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Physiological Reports, 2024 · DOI: 10.14814/phy2.70073 · Published: September 20, 2024

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyNutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether protein supplementation enhances the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation resistance training (NMES-RT) on lean mass in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Fifteen individuals with chronic SCI participated in NMES-RT three times a week for 12 weeks, with or without protein supplementation. The study found that thigh lean mass increased more with protein supplementation, suggesting it enhances the training effect of NMES-RT in this population.

Study Duration
12 weeks
Participants
15 individuals with chronic SCI
Evidence Level
Randomized controlled pilot trial

Key Findings

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    Thigh lean mass increased to a greater extent after NMES with protein supplementation (NMES+PRO) compared to NMES alone.
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    Fasting insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were decreased similarly in both groups.
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    Adherence to the intervention components was high (≥96%).

Research Summary

The study demonstrated that home-based NMES-RT is a feasible and efficacious method for increasing thigh and leg lean mass in persons with SCI, and that the increase in thigh lean mass is further enhanced by protein supplementation. Indices of insulin sensitivity were improved after 12 weeks of both NMES and NMES+PRO, although no additional benefit of protein supplementation was observed. These findings indicate that home-based NMES+PRO has potential as an accessible home-based intervention to improve body composition and cardiometabolic outcomes in persons with SCI, warranting further investigation through a full-scale RCT.

Practical Implications

Home-based NMES-RT Feasibility

Home-based NMES-RT is a feasible method for increasing lean mass in SCI individuals, potentially improving accessibility.

Protein Supplementation Benefits

Protein supplementation can potentiate the positive effects of NMES-RT on thigh lean mass in SCI individuals.

Cardiometabolic Improvement

NMES and NMES+PRO can improve indices of glucose tolerance, which is beneficial for cardiometabolic health in SCI individuals.

Study Limitations

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