Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation with or without resistance training on the strength of the thigh muscle in healthy males.

Abstract

Background : Neuromuscular electrical stimulation with resistance training has a potentiality to be one of the alternative exercises that can reduce injuries caused by excessive resistance in exercise training program. It can be applied to increase the capability of muscle performance in a short period, and easy to be trained in different places, and can be used in general exercise program to achieve the maximum benefit.

Research Design : Human experimental study

Setting : The Sports Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.

Methods : Fifty-two healthy volunteers were randomized into one of 4 groups: neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (NMES), resistance exercise with neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (RNMES), resistance group (R), and control group (C). The training period was 3 times a week for 4 weeks at 60% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in each group except the control group. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps, 30 degrees/second eccentric/concentric isokinetic contraction of the quadriceps and 120 degrees / second eccentric/concentric isokinetic contraction of the quadriceps were compared both within group and between groups.

Results : The strength of volunteers’ thigh muscles after training was significantly increased in 3 groups, NMES RNMES and R. No significant difference between groups in MVIC and 120 degrees/ second isokinetic contractions. But significantly increased in 30 degrees/second isokinetic contractions in RNMES group. (p <0.05).

Conclusion : Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be efficiently applied to increase the capability of muscle strength the same as resistance exercise especially when applied with resistance exercise training program at 60% MVIC.