Enhancing Adaptations to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training Interventions

Anthony J Blazevich; David F Collins; Guillaume Y Millet; Marco A Vaz; Nicola A Maffiuletti

doi:10.1249/JES.0000000000000264

Enhancing Adaptations to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training Interventions

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2021 Oct 1;49(4):244-252. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000264.

Authors

Anthony J Blazevich¹, David F Collins², Guillaume Y Millet, Marco A Vaz³, Nicola A Maffiuletti⁴

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.
² Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
³ Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício (LAPEX), Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil.
⁴ Human Performance Lab, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland.

Abstract

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to skeletal muscles is an effective rehabilitation and exercise training modality. However, the relatively low muscle force and rapid muscle fatigue induced by NMES limit the stimulus provided to the neuromuscular system and subsequent adaptations. We hypothesize that adaptations to NMES will be enhanced by the use of specific stimulation protocols and adjuvant interventions.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Physiological*
Electric Stimulation
Exercise
Humans
Muscle Fatigue*
Muscle, Skeletal