Welcome to another post in the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we simplify fascinating research to inspire curiosity about fitness and recovery technologies.

Today, we explore a groundbreaking study that examines how Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) combined with specific foot exercises could help older adults improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.

(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for building your research collection.)

Research Title

Combined Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Short Foot Exercise Improves Navicular Height, Muscle Size, Function Mobility, and Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults

Authors

Juntip Namsawang and Pornpimol Muanjai.

Who Conducted This Research and Where?

• Institutions:
  • Burapha University, Thailand
  • Research Unit: Exercise and Nutrition Innovation and Sciences Research Unit
• Location: Chonburi Province, Thailand
• Reputation: Burapha University is renowned for advancing health sciences and rehabilitation technologies.

What Was This Research About?

This study explored whether combining TENS with Short Foot Exercises (SFE) could improve foot muscle strength, balance, and mobility in older adults, thereby reducing their risk of falls.

Who Were the Participants?

• Age Range: 65–75 years old
• Number of Participants: 68 healthy older adults
• Characteristics: Independently living, able to walk unaided, and with no recent history of falls or significant foot injuries.

Participants were divided into two groups:

1. TENS + SFE
2. SFE with sham TENS (control group)

How Was the Research Conducted?

• Duration: 4 weeks
• Frequency: 3 sessions per week, each lasting 30 minutes.
• Measurements: Researchers measured foot muscle size, balance, mobility, and fear of falling before and after the intervention.

The key tools used included:

• Navicular Drop Test (NDT): To assess foot muscle function.
• Timed Up and Go Test (TUG): To evaluate mobility and balance.
• 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSTS): To measure lower limb strength.
• Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I): To assess fear of falling.

What Are the Findings?

General Explanation

Both groups showed significant improvements, but the TENS + SFE group experienced greater gains in mobility and balance. This suggests that combining TENS with exercises can amplify results, particularly for older adults with weak foot muscles or balance issues.

Specific Evidence Supporting the Findings

1. Improved Foot Muscle Function:

   • Navicular height improved by 0.31 mm in the TENS group and 0.64 mm in the control group, indicating better foot stability.

2. Enhanced Muscle Size:

   • Cross-sectional area of foot muscles increased by 0.23 cm² in the TENS group and 0.26 cm² in the control group.

3. Faster Mobility and Balance:

   • TUG Scores: Improved by 0.94 seconds in the TENS group, significantly more than the 0.53-second improvement in the control group.
   • 5TSTS Scores: Both groups showed reductions, but participants using TENS improved by 0.52 seconds, enhancing their ability to transition from sitting to standing.

4. Reduced Fear of Falling:

   • FES-I scores dropped significantly, indicating increased confidence in movement.

Why Could TENS Help Older Adults?

TENS stimulates nerves and muscles, improving:

• Blood circulation: Enhances oxygen delivery to muscles.
• Muscle activation: Helps in recruiting motor neurons for better strength.
• Balance control: Activates sensory pathways crucial for stability.

How Could This Help EMS Users?

For those already using EMS or similar devices:

• Adding foot-specific exercises alongside EMS can enhance results.
• TENS could be a low-impact, safe option for improving stability and mobility.
• Older users could benefit from reduced fear of falling and improved independence.

Read the Research

Original Title: Combined Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Short Foot Exercise Improves Navicular Height, Muscle Size, Function Mobility, and Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults
Simplified Title: How TENS Helps Older Adults Stay Balanced
Link to Study: Access the full research here

This study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a peer-reviewed and trusted source for health and wellness research.

What Do You Think?

Have you tried TENS or EMS for improving balance or strength? How has it helped you? Would you like us to explore more research like this? Let us know in the comments!

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

At ORIEMS FIT, we simplify cutting-edge research to inspire curiosity and empower your fitness journey. Share this post with friends or family who might benefit, and stay tuned for more insights from the world of science.

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