Functional Electrical Stimulation in Cardiac Patients

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Physical Performance of Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on physical performance and quality of life of patients in cardiac rehabilitation.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in patients with stage II and III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on the variables strength, endurance and muscle tropism lower limb, functional capacity and quality of life. To this were invited to participate in the study cardiac patients registered in the database of the cardiology department of the University Hospital of Santa Maria. The sample included patients of both sexes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement. The subjects were divided into two groups: placebo group (PG) or functional electrical stimulation group (FESG). To verify the effect of this intervention, before and after the protocol patients underwent the following evaluations: one repetition maximum test, sit-and-stand test, perimetry thighs, the six-minute walk test and evaluate the quality of life through The Medical questionnaire Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Functional Electrical Stimulation In the intervention group the FES was applied in the medial and lateral vastus of both thighs targeting the movement of knee extension. The application frequency was 15 Hz, lasting 40 minutes, pulse width of 0.5 ms, time ON 5s, time OFF 10s, ramp-up of 0 or 1s, descent ramp 2s and intensity as tolerance patient.

Functional Electrical Stimulation placebo The placebo group received functional electrical stimulation with the same parameters in the intervention group, except that the intensity of stimulation did not lead to visible or palpable contraction.

Functional electrical stimulation in the sensory threshold level, twice a week for eight weeks, totaling sixteen sessions.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients in phase II and III of cardiac rehabilitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement Exclusion Criteria: Patients with some cognitive impairment that prevents the completion of assessments, inability to understand the term of free and informed consent or with the following contraindications to the use of FES: epidermal lesions at the site of application, change of skin sensitivity or intolerance electrical stimulator; Patients undergoing cardiac surgery other than coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement; Patients who use pacemakers; Subjects with peripheral vascular changes in the lower limbs; Presence of comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebrovascular disease or skeletal muscle disease.