1
|
Debeuf R, De Vlieger D, Defour A, Feyen K, Guida S, Cuypers L, Firouzi M, Tassenoy A, Swinnen E, Beckwée D, Leemans L. Electrotherapy in stroke rehabilitation can improve lower limb muscle characteristics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38557249 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2334444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review assesses the effect of electrotherapy (e.g. functional electrical stimulation (FES), motor and sensor therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES)) on muscle strength and skeletal muscle characteristics in individuals post-stroke compared to conventional or sham therapy. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of electrotherapy. Data of interest was extracted from eligible studies, and risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS In total, 23 studies (933 people post-stroke) were included, of which 17, which mainly focus on patients in a chronic stage of stroke recovery and the implementation of FES, were incorporated in the meta-analysis. A significant increase in muscle strength was found favoring electrotherapy over conventional therapy (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.34-0.91, I2 = 37%, p = 0.07) and over sham therapy (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.68, I2 = 38%, p = 0.08). Three studies investigated the effect on muscle thickness and found a significant increase in favor of electrostimulation when compared to conventional therapy (MD 0.11 cm, 95% CI 0.06-0.16, I2 = 0%, p = 0.50). CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests electrotherapy in combination with physiotherapy has positive effects on lower limb muscle strength and skeletal muscle characteristics in patients recovering from stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Debeuf
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daan De Vlieger
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arne Defour
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Feyen
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefania Guida
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Lotte Cuypers
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mahyar Firouzi
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brain, Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Tassenoy
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eva Swinnen
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Beckwée
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lynn Leemans
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carvalho MTX, Guesser Pinheiro VH, Alberton CL. Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training combined with exercise on patient-reported outcomes measures in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 29:e2062. [PMID: 37926438 DOI: 10.1002/pri.2062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) added to the exercise or superimposed on voluntary contractions on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS This systematic review was described according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were obtained from a systematic literature search in five electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, LILACS, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus) in April 2022. We described the effects of intervention according to each PROMs (scores for Pain; Self-reported functional ability; Symptoms (hear clicking, swelling, catching, restricted range of motion, and stiffness); Daily living function; Sports function; and Quality of life) and used a random-effect model to examine the impact of NMES plus exercise on pain compared with exercise in people with knee OA. RESULTS Six RCTs (n = 367) were included. In the qualitative synthesis, the systematic literature analysis showed improvement in pain after NMES plus exercise compared with exercise alone in three studies. The other three studies revealed no difference between groups in pain, although similar improvement after treatments. In the meta-analysis, NMES at a specific joint angle combined with exercise was not superior to exercise alone in pain management (standardized mean difference = -0.33, 95% CI = -1.05 to 0.39, p = 0.37). There was no additional effect of NMES on exercise on self-reported functional ability, stiffness, and physical function compared with exercise alone. In only one study, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports function, and quality of life improved after whole-body electrostimulation combined with exercise. CONCLUSION This review found insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of NMES combined with exercise in treating knee OA considering PROMs. While pain relief was observed in some studies, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to support the use of NMES added to the exercise in clinical practice. Electrical stimulation in a whole-body configuration combined with exercise shows promise as an alternative treatment option.
Collapse
|
3
|
Warneke K, Lohmann LH, Lima CD, Hollander K, Konrad A, Zech A, Nakamura M, Wirth K, Keiner M, Behm DG. Physiology of Stretch-Mediated Hypertrophy and Strength Increases: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:2055-2075. [PMID: 37556026 PMCID: PMC10587333 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing muscle strength and cross-sectional area is of crucial importance to improve or maintain physical function in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports performance. Decreases in muscular performance are experienced in phases of reduced physical activity or immobilization. These decrements highlight the need for alternative, easily accessible training regimens for a sedentary population to improve rehabilitation and injury prevention routines. Commonly, muscle hypertrophy and strength increases are associated with resistance training, typically performed in a training facility. Mechanical tension, which is usually induced with resistance machines and devices, is known to be an important factor that stimulates the underlying signaling pathways to enhance protein synthesis. Findings from animal studies suggest an alternative means to induce mechanical tension to enhance protein synthesis, and therefore muscle hypertrophy by inducing high-volume stretching. Thus, this narrative review discusses mechanical tension-induced physiological adaptations and their impact on muscle hypertrophy and strength gains. Furthermore, research addressing stretch-induced hypertrophy is critically analyzed. Derived from animal research, the stretching literature exploring the impact of static stretching on morphological and functional adaptations was reviewed and critically discussed. No studies have investigated the underlying physiological mechanisms in humans yet, and thus the underlying mechanisms remain speculative and must be discussed in the light of animal research. However, studies that reported functional and morphological increases in humans commonly used stretching durations of > 30 min per session of the plantar flexors, indicating the importance of high stretching volume, if the aim is to increase muscle mass and maximum strength. Therefore, the practical applicability seems limited to settings without access to resistance training (e.g., in an immobilized state at the start of rehabilitation), as resistance training seems to be more time efficient. Nevertheless, further research is needed to generate evidence in different human populations (athletes, sedentary individuals, and rehabilitation patients) and to quantify stretching intensity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute for Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Deutschland, Germany.
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
- Institute of Sport Science, Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Germany.
| | - Lars H Lohmann
- University Sports Center, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Camila D Lima
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Karsten Hollander
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Astrid Zech
- Department of Human Motion Science and Exercise Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, Ozaki, Kanzaki, Saga, Japan
| | - Klaus Wirth
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Michael Keiner
- Department of Sport Science, German University of Health and Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ito K, Tada Y, Suzuki M, Hashida N, Kato Y, Yokota T, Ishikawa J, Tamiya H. Relationship between muscle thickness measured by ultrasound and physical functions: A 2-year follow-up study of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. PM R 2023. [PMID: 37844015 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for hematological malignancies. Several complications following allo-HSCT, such as graft-versus-host disease, infection, and malnutrition, often cause physical dysfunction, and the assessment of physical function and evaluation of muscle mass are incompletely performed. Use of ultrasound (US) allows muscle mass measurement in patients with poor general conditions. In allo-HSCT recipients, the correlation between physical function and muscle thickness, as measured by US, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To clarify whether muscle thickness measured by US correlated with physical function in allo-HSCT recipients. DESIGN A single-center prospective cohort study. SETTING Hospital. PATIENTS Ninety-two patients underwent allo-HSCT at our hospital from April 2017 to March 2019. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Biceps and quadriceps muscle thickness measured by US, grip strength, isometric muscle strength (elbow flexion and knee extension), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) before allo-HSCT and on days 30, 90, 180, 1 year, and 2 years after allo-HSCT. The implementation rates of these assessments were also investigated. RESULTS Correlations were observed between biceps thickness and elbow flexion muscle strength/grip strength before allo-HSCT, on days 30, 90, 180, 1 year, and 2 years after allo-HSCT (r = 0.71/0.74, 0.73/0.72, 0.70/0.79, 0.67/0.75, 0.72/0.75, and 0.85/0.79, respectively, all p < .001). At the same time points, quadriceps thickness moderately correlated with knee extensor strength (r = 0.49, 0.50, 0.45, 0.64, 0.61, and 0.58, all p < .001). However, biceps and quadriceps thicknesses did not correlate with the 6MWT. The percentages of patients measured with US and 6MWT were 93.4% and 82.4% (p = .01) on day 30 and 97.5% and 87.8% (p = .02) on day 90, respectively. CONCLUSIONS US assessment may be a useful alternative method for estimating muscle strength in fragile allo-HSCT recipients, particularly when physical function assessment is difficult to quantify.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Ito
- Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuma Tada
- Department of Hematology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Suzuki
- Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nao Hashida
- Swallowing Center, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Kato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yokota
- Department of Hematology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Ishikawa
- Department of Hematology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironari Tamiya
- Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Biss S, Teschler M, Heimer M, Thum T, Bär C, Mooren FC, Schmitz B. A single session of EMS training induces long-lasting changes in circulating muscle but not cardiovascular miRNA levels: a randomized crossover study. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:799-809. [PMID: 36759165 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00557.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromyostimulation (EMS) is used to maintain or build skeletal muscle and to increase cardiopulmonary fitness. Only limited data on the molecular mechanisms induced by EMS are available and effects on circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) have not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate whether EMS induces long-term changes in muscle- and cardiovascular-specific c-miRNA levels. Twelve healthy participants (33.0 ± 12.0 yr, 7 women) performed a 20-min whole body EMS training and a time- and intensity-matched whole body circuit training (CT) in random order. Blood samples were drawn pre-/posttraining and at 1.5, 3, 24, 48, and 72 h to determine creatine kinase (CK) and miRNA-21-5p, -126-3p, -133a-3p, -146a-5p, -206-3p, -222-3p, and -499a-5p levels. Muscular exertion was determined using an isometric strength test, and muscle soreness/pain was assessed by questionnaire. EMS participants reported higher muscle soreness 48 and 72 h postexercise and mean CK levels after EMS increased compared with CT at 48 and 72 h (time × group P ≤ 0.01). The EMS session induced a significant elevation of myomiR-206 and -133a levels starting at 1.5 and 3 h after exercise. Both miRNAs remained elevated for 72 h with significant differences between 24 and 72 h (time × group P ≤ 0.0254). EMS did not induce changes in cardiovascular miRNAs and no elevation in any miRNA was detected following CT. Time-course analysis of muscle damage marker CK and c-miR-133a and -206 levels did not suggest a common scheme (P ≥ 0.277). We conclude that a single EMS session induces specific long-lasting changes of miR-206 and miR-133 involved in muscle proliferation and differentiation. A single EMS session does not affect primary cardiovascular miRNA-21-5p, -126-3p, -146a-5p, and -222-3p levels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study describes the long-term effects of electromyostimulation (EMS) on circulating miRNA levels. The observed increase of functional myomiR-206 and -133a levels over 72 h suggests long-lasting effects on muscle proliferation and differentiation, whereas cardiovascular miRNAs appear unaffected. Our findings suggest that circulating miRNAs provide useful insight into muscle regeneration processes after EMS and may thus be used to optimize EMS training effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinje Biss
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Teschler
- Faculty of Health, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Center for Medical Rehabilitation, DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Melina Heimer
- Faculty of Health, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Center for Medical Rehabilitation, DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Bär
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank C Mooren
- Faculty of Health, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Center for Medical Rehabilitation, DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Boris Schmitz
- Faculty of Health, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Center for Medical Rehabilitation, DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Ennepetal, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yoo HJ, Park S, Oh S, Kang M, Seo Y, Kim BG, Lee SH. Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on core muscle activation and physical performance in non-athletic adults: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32765. [PMID: 36705372 PMCID: PMC9875983 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) activates muscles through electrical currents, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate clinical effects of superimposing EMS on strength training compared with conventional exercise in healthy non-athletic adults. METHODS This study was a randomised, controlled, parallel-group trial conducted at a single centre. Forty-one healthy young volunteers were recruited and randomised into two groups: strengthening with superimposed EMS (S+E) and strengthening (S) groups. All participants underwent the 30 minutes of strength training program, three times a week for 8 weeks, consisting of core muscle exercises. Additionally, the S+E group received EMS during training, which stimulated the bilateral abdominal, gluteus, and hip adductor muscles. As the primary outcome measure, we evaluated the changes in muscle thickness, including the abdominal, gluteal, and hip adductor muscles, using ultrasound. Muscle thickness was measured in both resting and contracted states. For secondary outcomes, physical performance (Functional Movement System score, McGill's core stability test, and hip muscle power) and body composition analysis were evaluated. All assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the intervention. RESULTS 39 participants (S+E group = 20, S group = 19) completed the study. The clinical characteristics and baseline functional status of each group did not differ significantly between the groups. After completion of the training, the S+E group showed more efficient contraction in most of the evaluated muscles. The resting muscle thickness did not differ significantly between the groups; however, the contracted muscle thickness in the S+E group was higher than that in the S group (p < 0.05). Physical performance and body composition were not significantly different between the two groups. No intervention-related complications were reported during the study. CONCLUSION EMS seems to be a safe and reasonable modality for improving physical fitness in healthy individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Joon Yoo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsoo Park
- School of Global Sport Studies, Korea University Sejong Campus, Sejong City, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejun Oh
- Human Behavior & Genetic Institute, Associate Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Munjeong Kang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongha Seo
- Korea Health Exercise Manager Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sang-Heon Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Sang-Heon Lee, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qin Y, Chen H, Liu X, Wu J, Zhang Y. Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation training on upper limb muscles strength and body composition in moderately trained males: A randomized controlled study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:982062. [PMID: 36159315 PMCID: PMC9501974 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.982062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance training has been known to have a positive effect on muscle performance in exercisers. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is advertised as a smooth, time-efficient, and highly individualized resistance training technology. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of WB-EMS training on maximum isometric elbow muscle strength and body composition in moderately trained males in comparison to traditional resistance training. The study was a randomized controlled single-blind trial. Twenty, moderately trained, male participants (25.15 ± 3.84, years) were randomly assigned to the following groups: a WB-EMS training group (n = 11) and a traditional resistance training group (the control group [CG]: n = 9). Both training intervention programs consisted of 18 training sessions for six consecutive weeks. All subjects performed dynamic movements with the WB-EMS or external weights (CG). The primary outcome variables included maximum isometric elbow flexor strength (MIEFS), maximum isometric elbow extensor strength (MIEES) and surface electromyography amplitude (sEMGRMS). Secondary outcomes involved lean body mass, body fat content, arm fat mass, and arm lean mass. ANOVAs, Friedman test and post hoc t-tests were used (P = 0.05) to analyze the variables development after the 6-week intervention between the groups. Significant time × group interactions for MIEFS (η2 = 0.296, P Bonferroni = 0.013) were observed, the increase in the WB-EMS group were significantly superior to the CG [23.49 ± 6.48% vs. 17.01 ± 4.36%; MD (95% CI) = 6.48 (1.16, 11.80); d = 1.173, P = 0.020]. There were no significant differences were observed between interventions regarding MIEES, sEMGRMS and body composition. These findings indicate that in moderately trained males the effects of WB-EMS were similar to a traditional resistance training, with the only exception of a significantly greater increase in elbow flexor strength. WB-EMS can be considered as an effective exercise addition for moderately trained males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Qin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yin Qin
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yinxin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|