Discover How Electrical Stimulation Can Strengthen Your Muscles – A Look at the Data
Welcome Back to the Oriems Fit Research Digest!
Every week, we explore fascinating studies and share insights to inspire curiosity. Today, we dive into a study exploring how Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) can boost muscle performance with measurable, specific results.
What’s This Study About?
Research Title: Effects of Unilateral Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Illusionary Mirror Visual Feedback on the Contralateral Muscle: A Pilot Study
Authors: Xin Ye, Daniel Vala, Hayden Walker, et al.
Published: 2023 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Institutions:
- University of Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Japan
These prestigious institutions conducted a pilot study funded by the University of Hartford Coffin Grant.
Link To Study. Click Here
Who Participated?
The study involved 15 healthy adults (ages 21 ± 3 years):
- 5 in the NMES + Mirror group
- 5 in the NMES-only group
- 5 in the control group (no NMES)
Participants had no recent injuries or neuromuscular conditions.
What Was Measured?
Participants’ arm muscles were tested before and after three weeks of NMES training. Researchers measured:
- Isometric Strength: Maximum force generated by the muscles.
- Voluntary Activation Levels: How well the brain signals activated the muscles.
- Resting Twitch Force: How muscles responded to electrical stimulation at rest.
What Were the Results?
Here’s the specific data showing how NMES improved muscle performance:
1. Improved Muscle Strength (Isometric Strength)
- NMES + Mirror Group: Muscle strength increased by 6.31% ± 4.56%.
- NMES-Only Group: Muscle strength increased by 4.72% ± 8.97%.
- Control Group: Muscle strength decreased by 4.04% ± 3.85%.
These numbers highlight that NMES can increase strength compared to doing nothing.
2. Better Muscle Responsiveness (NMES-Evoked Force)
Over the nine training sessions, the force generated by the stimulated muscles increased steadily:
- Starting relative force: 4.2% of max strength
- Ending relative force: 13.5% of max strength
This shows that muscles adapt to NMES over time, becoming more efficient.
3. Training Tolerance Improved
Participants in the NMES groups were able to tolerate higher stimulation intensities as sessions progressed:
- Initial stimulation intensity: 16.5 ± 10.7 mA
- Gradual increases allowed more intense training sessions.
Why Does This Matter?
NMES could benefit anyone looking to maintain or improve muscle strength:
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Boost strength in specific muscles with data-driven results.
- Rehabilitation: A promising tool for those with limited mobility to strengthen muscles safely.
How Could NMES Work for You?
This study highlights NMES as a method to improve strength in the trained muscle, even with light training intensity. While further studies are needed for broader applications, it’s a great start for those looking to enhance performance.
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