Neuromuscular electrical stimulation

1. What are common uses of neuromuscular e-stim?
2. How does the open-loop system work?
3. How does the closed-loop system work? What are the advantages over open-loop?

Answers:
1. Maintains muscle mass after immobilization, prevents DVT, prevents osteoporosis, strengthens muscles, increases ROM, provides feedback to enhance voluntary muscle control.
2. An open-loop system is when the user observes the results of stimulation and adjusts the stimulation based on the results.
3. A closed-loop system involves movement sensors that send signals from patient's body as results are obtained. Advantages are that it corrects unexpected problems like muscle spasms and fatigue.