Research on neurophysiological evaluation of the nerve damage caused by Leprosy and its treatment using electric stimulation

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K01375
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: International University of Health and Welfare (2016-2017); Kagoshima University (2015)
• Principal Investigator: EN JUNICHIRO 国際医療福祉大学, 成田保健医療学部, 講師 (30587879)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 鈴木 幸一 帝京大学, 医療技術学部, 教授 (20206478) ; 後藤 正道 鹿児島大学, 医歯学総合研究科, 客員研究員 (80325779)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ハンセン病末梢神経傷害 / 電気刺激治療 / 神経生理学的評価

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Although it is known that peripheral nerve is impaired in leprosy, the degree and nerve regeneration mechanism are not understood yet. In this study, neuropathy in leprosy patients was measured using neurophysiological methods such as nerve conduction velocity and electromyogram, and compared with diseases of other peripheral nerve injuries.
Data analysis is not completed, but electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) therapy has evoked thickening of most patient's muscles. With the increase of the thickness of the muscles, activity of daily life was also improved. It is suggested that EMS will lead to the possibility of new treatment.

Free Research Field

神経生理学