Printed dry electrode for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for e-textile.

Muscle atrophy is a well-known consequence of immobilization and critical illness, leading to prolonged rehabilitation and increased mortality. In this study, we develop a solution to preserve muscle mass using customized biocompatible neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device. Commercially available NMES solutions with gel-based electrodes often lead to skin irritation. We demonstrate the printing of conducting electrodes on a compressive stocking textile that can be used for more than seven days without observing any inflammation. This solution consists of a dry and biocompatible electrode directly integrated into the textile with good mechanical compatibility with skin (Young's modulus of 0.39 MPa). The surface roughness of the underlying substrate plays a significant role in obtaining good print quality. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that the printed electrode showed better performance than the commercial ones based on a matched interfacial performance and improved series resistance. Furthermore, we investigated our NMES solution in a hospital setting to evaluate its effectiveness on muscle atrophy, with promising results.

[Electrical stimulation against loss of muscles and function in a patient admitted with COVID-19].

This is a case report of a hospitalised 62-year-old male patient with COVID-19, who received unilateral neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment with a customised anti-embolic compression stocking and maintained muscle mass as well as maximum voluntary quadriceps contraction and balance during six days of illness-induced immobilisation. This illustrates, that short durations of neuromuscular electrical stimulation can help maintaining muscle mass and physical function in patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Maximal Fat Oxidation Rate Is Higher in Fit Women and Unfit Women With Obesity, Compared to Normal-weight Unfit Women.

CONTEXT: The maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) is higher in aerobically fit vs unfit young men, but this training-related increase in MFO is attenuated in middle-aged men. Further, it has also been found that unfit men with obesity may have an elevated MFO compared to unfit normal-weight men. OBJECTIVE: Based hereupon, we aimed to investigate whether a fitness-related higher MFO were attenuated in middle-aged women compared to young women. Also, we aimed to investigate if unfit women with obesity have a higher MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women. We hypothesized that the training-related elevated MFO was attenuated in middle-aged women, but that unfit women with obesity would have an elevated MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women. METHODS: We recruited 70 women stratified into 6 groups: young fit (n = 12), young unfit (n = 12) middle-aged fit (n = 12), middle-aged unfit (n = 12), unfit young women with obesity (n = 12), and unfit middle-aged women with obesity (n = 10). Body composition and resting blood samples were obtained and MFO was measured by a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer via indirect calorimetry. Subsequently, a maximal exercise test was performed to establish peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). RESULTS: Young and middle-aged fit women had a higher MFO compared to age-matched unfit women, and young fit women had a higher MFO compared to fit middle-aged women. Unfit women with obesity, independent of age, had a higher MFO compared to their normal-weight and unfit counterparts. CONCLUSION: The training-related increase in MFO seems maintained in middle-aged women, and we find that unfit women with obesity, independent of age, have a higher MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women.