Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of the quadriceps via the femoral nerve

• Published in: Muscle & nerve 2004-09, Vol.30 (3), p.379-381
• Main Authors: Kremenic, Ian J., Ben-Avi, S. Simon, Leonhardt, Dan, McHugh, Malachy P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; Biological and medical sciences; electric stimulation; Electromagnetic Fields; Female; Femoral Nerve - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; magnetic stimulation; Male; Motor control and motor pathways. Reflexes. Control centers of vegetative functions. Vestibular system and equilibration; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; neuromuscular rehabilitation; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation - methods; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; weakness
• ISSN: 0148-639X; 1097-4598
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.20091

We investigated the efficacy of different frequencies and intensities of magnetic stimulation for activating the quadriceps muscles; a painless method for stimulating the quadriceps would be useful in the rehabilitation of patients who have difficulty in voluntarily activating their muscles after injury or surgery. Eleven subjects underwent magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve over a range of frequencies and intensities using a MagStim Rapid magnetic stimulator. Magnetic stimulation at 30 Hz at 80% of the power output of the stimulator used was capable of generating 72% of quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction torque. Subjects reported little or no pain during the procedure. Magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve is a well‐tolerated way to activate the quadriceps muscles. Muscle Nerve 30: 379–381, 2004