Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R S Breederveld.
The investigators studied functional electrostimulation by means of an implanted electrode placed around the peroneal nerve in rabbits. Current pulses were administered from a stimulating unit outside the body, via a connecting skin plug and subcutaneous leads to the electrode. It is concluded that if this form of stimulation is to be praticable without undesirable results, certain mechanical problems require further study.
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In an animal experiment, the effect of long-term electrical stimulation by a totally implanted stimulation system were studied. The threshold value of the femoral nerve of the cat was registered before, during and after the stimulation period. Contraction strength was measured, and after the experiment the histology of the nerve and muscle was examined and compared with the non-stimulated samples. As a result, there was a slight increase in the threshold value after six months, with initially an increase of contraction strength, but after six months there was a decrease to the values measured at the start of the stimulation period. No signs of nerve degeneration were seen except in one nerve. Moreover, no change could be found in the number and distribution pattern of muscle fibres. Although one should be careful in drawing conclusions from an animal experiment when attempting to apply the results to human beings, this method of electrical stimulation might be a reliable therapy in regaining the function of paretic muscles in patients who have a central paresis.