Mae Greeves
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Lindsey Lepley
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Athletic Training / Kinesiology
Program:
Authors: Lindsey Lepley, Mae Greeves, Leah Vaikutis
Session: Session 5: 2:40 pm – 3:30 pm
Poster: 59
Abstract
Abstract Title: Investigating the Potential of Utilizing Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) as a Rehabilitation Technique after ACL Injury Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most popular traumatic, musculoskeletal injuries. Despite the frequency of this injury, the rehabilitation process remains lengthy and inefficacious. Fortunately, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) provides hope to be an effective rehabilitation technique, rescuing the quadriceps after ACL injury. We are looking to further the knowledge of NMES and determine how to maximize its benefits. The Comparative Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Laboratory (CORL) aims to advance this rehabilitation technique by fine tuning dosage and volume of NMES treatment. In doing so, the recovery process from ACL injury can be expedited and more efficacious. The purpose of this study is to measure the long term effects of ACL injury on oxidative health and to see if NMES is a beneficial treatment. The mitochondrial health team is a distinct team within the CORL which works to measure a crucial functional outcome: muscle oxidative health. This team utilizes a machine called the Oroboros, which simulates conditions within the mitochondrion. By measuring oxygen consumption after injection of appropriate substrates, muscle oxidative health can be indirectly measured. Experiments are being conducted to determine how mitochondrial health has been disrupted after ACL injury and if it can return to its previous health after intervention with NMES. From there we are able to evaluate the mitochondrial health of the muscle to determine if there is a long term effect to mitochondrial health post ACL injury. We hope to find that mitochondrial health will return to its prior state, after intervention with NMES. The best outcome would be that we discover very positive results from the NMES treatment that can be used to benefit those who experience the recovery process of ACL injuries.
