What does neuromuscular electrical stimulation achieve?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) primarily achieves the elicitation of impulses that lead to muscle contractions. This technique involves using electrical currents to stimulate the motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles, which causes the muscles to contract. This is particularly beneficial in rehabilitation settings, as it can help to strengthen muscles, improve muscle tone, and facilitate recovery following injury or surgery.

NMES is often used for patients who may have difficulty achieving muscle contractions through voluntary movement, such as those with certain neurological conditions, or post-surgery patients who need to maintain or regain muscle function and prevent atrophy. By stimulating the nerves directly, NMES promotes muscle activation that may otherwise not occur, enhancing the patient's overall rehabilitation process.

While options such as reduction of inflammation, enhancement of joint flexibility, and improvement of cardiovascular health may be associated effects or benefits of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, they do not specifically reflect the primary mechanism of action of neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Hence, the accurate understanding of NMES lies in its core function of prompting muscle contractions through electrical impulses.