Respiration and circulation dynamics during Belt electrode-Skeletal muscle Electrical Stimulation (B-SES) in healthy adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Belt Electrode-Skeletal Muscle Electrical Stimulation (B-SES) is used to rehabilitate frail elderly people and patients with chronic disorders. However, respiratory and circulation dynamics during B-SES have not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the safety of B-SES. METHODS: Twelve healthy male adults underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂) measurement. The respiratory rate, oxygen uptake (VO₂), percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse rate, and blood pressure were measured during a 20-minute B-SES. RESULTS: One participant was excluded from the statistical analysis based on the exclusion criteria.　The highest VO₂ was 11.2 ml/kg/min, and the metabolic equivalent calculated from The highest VO₂ was 3.2 METs. The VO₂ at 2–6, 8, 9, 11, and 14 minutes and systolic blood pressure at 5 and 10 minutes during B-SES were significantly higher than those at rest. The highest respiratory rate, lowest respiratory rate, highest VO₂, lowest SpO₂, highest pulse rate, and highest systolic blood pressure at rest were significantly different from those during B-SES. The peak VO₂ was not significantly correlated with respiratory and circulatory parameters. Conclusion: Changes in respiratory and cardiovascular variables were observed, although they were not at a level that required discontinuation of exercise. Therefore, with appropriate risk management, B-SES can be used in frail elderly patients and those with chronic disorders