Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Resistance Training on Knee Extensor/Flexor Muscles.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a 5-week NMES program versus resistance training (RT) on knee muscle strength in young adults.
Results Summary
The study found no significant difference between NMES and RT groups in isokinetic dynamometry, but NMES showed significant increases in peak torque for knee extensors and flexors at different angular velocities, suggesting comparable or potentially superior efficacy to RT with minimal locomotor overload.
Population
15 students of sport and physical education (age 22 ± 2).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (NMES superimposed over voluntary muscle contraction; RT with submaximal loads).
Duration
5 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training | increase | maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force output | - | - | increases | #1 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | muscle strength | - | - | positive effects | #2 |
a 5-week program of NMES | no change | isokinetic dynamometry | students of faculty of sport and physical education (age 22 ± 2) | - | no significant difference | #3 |
a 5-week program of NMES | increase | right knee extensors muscles | NMES group | - | peak torque increased | #4 |
a 5-week program of NMES | increase | left knee extensors muscles | NMES group | - | peak torque increased | #5 |
a 5-week program of NMES | increase | left knee extensors muscles | NMES group | - | peak torque increased | #6 |
RT program of same duration | increase | right knee extensors muscles | RT group | - | peak torque increased | #7 |
RT program of same duration | increase | right knee flexor muscles | RT group | - | peak torque increased | #8 |
NMES | increase | enhancement of knee muscles concentric peak torque | - | - | has equal potential if not in some way better than | #9 |
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has recently drawn a lot of attention as means for strengthening of voluntary muscle contraction both in sport and rehabilitation. NMES training increases maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force output through neural adaptations. On the other hand, positive effects of resistance training (RT) on muscle strength are well known. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of a 5-week program of NMES compared to RT program of same duration. Sample of 15 students' of faculty of sport and physical education (age 22 ± 2) were randomized in two groups: NMES (N = 7) and RT (N = 8). NMES group performed NMES superimposed over voluntary muscle contraction, RT group performed resistance training with submaximal loads. Subjects were evaluated for knee isokinetic dynamometry on both sides (60° and 180° s). After intervention no significant difference between groups were observed in isokinetic dynamometry (p = 0.177). However, applying pair sample t test within each group revealed that peak torque increased in NMES-group (p = 0.002 for right knee extensors muscles, p = 0.003 for left, respectively, at 60° and p = 0.004 for left knee extensors muscles, at angular velocity 180°). In RT group (p = 0.033 for right knee extensors muscles, p = 0.029 for right knee flexor muscles, at angular velocity 60°). Our results indicate that NMES has equal potential if not in some way better than classical RT having in mind that overload on locomotor apparatus during NMES is minimal and force of muscle contraction is equal on both sides, for enhancement of knee muscles concentric peak torque.