(625306) Most Recent Advances in Bio-physics and Plasticity from Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Thursday, November 7

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Location: Salon C-2, Lower Level

Presenter(s)

FP

Francis Palermo, MD, MPH

Clinical Asst. Professor PMR
Univ. Colorado School of Medicine Dept. PM&R
Boulder, Colorado

Advanced scientific instruments can now demonstrate structural changes within the synapse initiated by a few minutes of depolarizing repetitive stimulation. Physical movement of neurotransmitter receptors into the center of the synapse increases voltage up to 40%.

Stimulation also enhances mitochondria structure and function lost by disuse and injury.

Intense exercise produces similar effects if tolerated. Both enhance long term potentiation (LTP) in sensory - motor systems.

These bio-physical effects are the essence of intense exercise and electrically induced exercise. Understanding these effects should help guide sensory - motor rehabilitation therapies.

Learning Objectives:

Appreciate the beneficial structural changes induced by burst electrical stimulation or intense exercise
understand the biophysical mechanisms used by nerve cells to increase synaptic strength
understand the structural degeneration that occurs from disuse or immobility in the sensory motor system
appreciate that the latest optical technology can explain the findings of prior research and help guide future optimal research