Title :
Variable Patterned Pudendal Nerve Stimuli Improves Reflex Bladder Activation
Author :
Bruns, Tim M. ; Bhadra, Narendra ; Gustafson, Kenneth J.
Author_Institution :
Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland
fDate :
4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We evaluated variable patterns of pudendal nerve (PN) stimuli for reflex bladder excitation. Reflex activation of the bladder has been demonstrated previously with 20-33 Hz continuous stimulation of PN afferents. Neuronal circuits accessed by afferent mediated pathways may respond better to physiological patterned stimuli than continuous stimulation. Unilateral PN nerve cuffs were placed in neurologically intact male cats. PN stimulation (0.5-100 Hz) was performed under isovolumetric conditions at bladder volumes up to the occurrence of distension evoked reflex contractions. Stimulus evoked reflex bladder contractions were elicited in eight cats. Across all experiments, bursting of 2-10 pulses at 100-200 Hz repeated at continuous stimulation frequencies evoked significantly larger bladder responses than continuous (single pulse) stimulation (52.0 plusmn 44.5%). Bladder excitation was also effective at 1 Hz continuous stimuli, which is lower than typically reported. Variable patterned pulse bursting resulted in greater evoked reflex bladder pressures and increased the potential stimulation parameter space for effective bladder excitation. Improved bladder excitation should increase the efficacy of neuroprostheses for bladder control.
Keywords :
biocontrol; bioelectric phenomena; biological organs; neurophysiology; patient rehabilitation; prosthetics; afferent mediated pathways; bladder control; continuous stimulation frequencies; distension evoked reflex contractions; frequency 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz; frequency 100 Hz to 200 Hz; isovolumetric conditions; neurologically intact male cats; neuronal circuits; neuroprostheses efficacy; reflex bladder activation; variable patterned pudendal nerve stimuli; Functional electrical stimulation (FES); functional electrical stimulation; neuroprosthesis; pudendal nerve; stimulation pattern; urinary system; Animals; Cats; Electric Stimulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Pressure; Reflex; Urinary Bladder;
Journal_Title :
Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNSRE.2007.914460