Effects of Different Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Parameters on Quadriceps Neuromuscular Performance in Competitive Athletes
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of six weeks of training with two different types of neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) currents on muscle performance in competitive athletes. METHODS: This controlled and randomized clinical trial included 20 athletes, equally divided into three groups: medium frequency current group with 500 μs (MF-500) (n=7), low frequency current group of with 500 μs (PC-500) (n=5) and control group (CG) (n=8). Each group had evaluated, before and after the intervention: the peak torque of knee (PT), muscle thickness and signs of electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis (VL), and the sensory discomfort level (VAS). The training with NMES was performed 3 times…
Acute effects of short-duration isolated static stretching or combined with dynamic exercises on strength, jump and sprint performance
Summary Objective This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a short-duration isolated static stretching or combined with dynamic plyometric exercises on the performance of some anaerobic parameters (strength, jumping and sprinting). Methods During three distinct sessions and after a standardized warm-up, 15 participants randomly performed static stretching exercises alone, static stretching combined with plyometric exercises and no stretch. Total stretch duration was 20 seconds long per muscle group (quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles). Tests included maximal quadriceps muscle strength, countermovement jumps and 15 m sprints. Results Whatever the condition, maximal strength …
Neuromuscular fatigue induced by a 90-minute soccer game modeling.
This study aimed to quantify neuromuscular fatigue induced by a soccer game. Eight amateur soccer players (age 20.4 ± 1.3 years, mass 70.4 ± 6.9 kg, and height 174.9 ± 5.2 cm) reproduced a 90-minute soccer game modeling composed of two 45-minute periods separated by a 15-minute rest. Torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups associated with electromyography, sprint speed, and vertical jump height was assessed before, at halftime, and immediately after the modeling. Most physical qualities decreased throughout the game with greater decays at match end than at halftime. Contrarily to quadriceps muscles, hamstring torque impairments were not accompanied by electromyographic activity red…
The effects of knee and hip joint angles on patellar tendon loading during quadriceps neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Intra and inter-raters reliability and agreement of stimulus electrodiagnostic tests with two different electrodes in sedated critically-ill patients
Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the intra- and inter-rater reliability and agreement of the stimulus electrodiagnostic test (SET) measurements obtained by pen and square elect...
Electrical and mechanical H(max)-to-M(max) ratio in power- and endurance-trained athletes.
The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of soleus motor units activated during maximal H reflex and direct M response among subjects with different histories of physical activity. Power-trained athletes produced stronger twitches, with a higher rate of twitch tension buildup and relaxation, than their endurance counterparts for both maximal H-reflex and maximal M-wave responses. The maximal H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios for both force output (twitch) and EMG wave amplitude were significantly lower in power-trained than endurance-trained athletes. However, power-trained athletes exhibited a significantly greater twitch-to-EMG ratio…
Neural activation after maximal isometric contractions at different muscle lengths.
DESBROSSES K., N. BABAULT, G. SCAGLIONI, J.-P. MEYER, and M. POUSSON. Neural Activation after Maximal Isometric Contractions at Different Muscle Lengths. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 937–944, 2006. Purpose: To investigate i) whether neural activation dependence on muscle length is preserved with neuromuscular fatigue and ii) whether fatigue induced by a maximal isometric exercise is muscle length dependent. Methods: Twelve male subjects performed two fatiguing quadriceps muscle exercises: FS is the fatigue carried out at short muscle length (S) (S = 40- of knee flexion) and FL is the fatigue at long muscle length (L) (L = 100-). Before and after each fatiguing exercise (i.e.…
Do Stretch Durations Affect Muscle Mechanical and Neurophysiological Properties?
International audience; The aim of the study was to determine whether stretching durations influence acute changes of mechanical and neurophysiological properties of plantar flexor muscles. Plantar flexors of 10 active males were stretched in passive conditions on an isokinetic dynamometer. Different durations of static stretching were tested in 5 randomly ordered experimental trials (1, 2, 3, 4 and 10×30-s). Fascicle stiffness index, evoked contractile properties and spinal excitability (Hmax/Mmax) were examined before (PRE), immediately after (POST0) and 5 min after (POST5) stretching. No stretch duration effect was recorded for any variable. Moreover, whatever the stretching duration, st…
Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps force production and fatigue
Introduction: Mixed stimulation programs (MIX) that switch from constant frequency trains (CFT) to variable frequency trains have been proposed to offset the rapid fatigue induced by CFT during electrical stimulation. However, this has never been confirmed with long stimulation patterns, such as those used to evoke functional contractions. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that MIX programs were less fatiguing than CFTs in strength training-like conditions (6-s contractions, 30-min). Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects underwent 2 sessions corresponding to MIX and CFT programs. Measurements included maximal voluntary isometric torque and torque evoked by each contraction. …
One year of training with FES has impressive beneficial effects in a 36-year-old woman with spinal cord injury
International audience; CONTEXT:Reductions of muscular and cardiorespiratory functions are often observed in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and several studies demonstrated the benefits of aerobic and strengthening exercise training for this population. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of paralyzed muscles has been proposed as a strategy to assist patients in executing functional movement but its utilization during long durations has never been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of a one-year training program with FES (strengthening and rowing) in one subject with SCI. Evoked torque, quadriceps muscle thickness, aerobic exercise capacity an…
Kilohertz and Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation With the Same Pulse Duration Have Similar Efficiency for Inducing Isometric Knee Extension Torque and Discomfort
International audience; Objective To test the hypotheses that, as compared with pulsed current with the same pulse duration, kilohertz frequency alternating current would not differ in terms of evoked-torque production and perceived discomfort, and as a result, it would show the same current efficiency.Design A repeated-measures design with 4 stimuli presented in random order was used to test 25 women: (1) 500-microsecond pulse duration, (2) 250-microsecond pulse duration, (3) 500-microsecond pulse duration and low carrier frequency (1 kHz), (4) 250-microsecond pulse duration and high carrier frequency (4 kHz). Isometric peak torque of quadriceps muscle was measured using an isokinetic dyna…
Acute neuromuscular responses to short and long roundhouse kick striking paces in professional Muay Thai fighters.
International audience; BACKGROUND: Muay Thai fighters strongly rely on the use of the roundhouse kick due to its effectiveness (i.e. power) and implications on the final score. Therefore, different striking tempos at full power are used during training as a method to enhance kicking power. However, the neuromuscular responses are unknown. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate neuromuscular responses to a single bout of shorter (every second = H1) and longer (every 3s = H3) kick striking time intervals, measured with the countermovement jump (CMJ).METHODS: Nine professional Muay Thai fighters participated in this randomized, cross-over trial. CMJs were measured on force plates bef…
Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps isometric force and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury
Introduction Variable frequency trains (VFT) or train combinations have been suggested as useful strategies to offset the rapid fatigue induced by constant frequency trains (CFT) during electrical stimulation. However, most studies have been of short duration with limited functional application in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). We therefore tested force and fatigue in response to VFT, CFT, and combined patterns in strength training-like conditions (6-s contractions). Methods Ten SCI individuals underwent either CFT or VFT patterns until target torque was no longer produced and then switched immediately to the other pattern. Results Target torque was reached more times when VFT was use…
Effects of soluble milk protein or casein supplementation on muscle fatigue following resistance training program: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study
International audience; Background: The effects of protein supplementation on muscle thickness, strength and fatigue seem largely dependent on its composition. The current study compared the effects of soluble milk protein, micellar casein, and a placebo on strength and fatigue during and after a resistance training program. Methods: Sixty-eight physically active men participated in this randomized controlled trial and underwent 10 weeks of lower-body resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned to the Placebo (PLA), Soluble Milk Protein (SMP, with fast digestion rate) or Micellar Casein (MC, with slow digestion rate) group. During the 10-week training period, participants were …
Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps isometric force and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury
Introduction Variable frequency trains (VFT) or train combinations have been suggested as useful strategies to offset the rapid fatigue induced by constant frequency trains (CFT) during electrical stimulation. However, most studies have been of short duration with limited functional application in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). We therefore tested force and fatigue in response to VFT, CFT, and combined patterns in strength training-like conditions (6-s contractions). Methods Ten SCI individuals underwent either CFT or VFT patterns until target torque was no longer produced and then switched immediately to the other pattern. Results Target torque was reached more times when VFT was use…
Effects of different unstable supports on EMG activity and balance
This study analysed the equilibrium strategies and EMG activity during postural equilibrium in four different unstable surfaces. Thirteen team sport males were tested on a FLAT surface and on three different wobble boards (JAKOBS(®) with easy multidirectional displacements, FREEMAN with strong multidirectional displacements and LATERAL with unidirectional lateral displacements). They had to maintain single-limb stance during 5s for each condition. The right foot centre of pressure (COP) position and its variability with concomitant EMG activity of soleus (SOL), tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and extensor digitorum longus (EXD) muscles were recorded. Subjects maintained balance…
EMG activity and voluntary activation during knee-extensor concentric torque generation
This study was designed to re-examine and compare the neural drive of the knee extensors during isokinetic concentric muscular actions by means of the twitch interpolation technique (activation level, AL) and surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings (root mean square, RMS). Torque, AL and RMS amplitudes of three knee extensors and one knee flexor were measured in nine subjects during maximal and sub-maximal voluntary contractions, performed under concentric (60 degrees.s(-1) and 120 degrees.s(-1); Con60 and Con120, respectively) and isometric (Iso) conditions. Mean (SD) maximal voluntary torque was significantly lower ( P0.01) during concentric contractions [Con60: 208.6 (26.8) Nm and Con…
Neuromuscular Differences Between Endurance-Trained, Power-Trained, and Sedentary Subjects
This study tested the hypothesis that neuromuscular characteristics of plantar flexor (PF) and knee extensor (KE) muscles explain differences of both performance in vertical jump and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) between endurance-trained (END, n = 9), power-trained (POW, n = 8), and sedentary subjects (SED, n = 8). Evoked twitch characteristics of PF and KE were measured. MVC, maximal voluntary activation (%VA) of KE, and performance in vertical jump were also measured. POW have higher maximal rate of twitch force development (MRFD) than SED and END for both PF (p < 0.05) and KE (p < 0.01); %VA and MVC were higher for POW and END than SED (p < 0.01). Higher performances wer…
Specific effects of eccentric training on muscular fatigability.
This study was designed to test the hypothesis that an eccentric training period induces a reduction of neuromuscular fatigability following an eccentric exercise. Before (Pre-T) and after (Post-T) a 7-wks sub-maximal eccentric training, ten active males performed a fatiguing exercise consisting of five sets of ten maximal eccentric elbow flexions. Before (Pre-T-1 and Post-T-1) and after (Pre-T-2 and Post-T-2) each fatiguing exercise, the voluntary torque and its associated agonistic electromyographic activity (RMS), assessed at four angular velocities (-60 degrees x s (-1); 0 degrees x s (-1); 60 degrees x s (-1); 240 degrees x s (-1)) were measured. The isometric voluntary activation leve…
Effects of an Electrostimulation Training Program on Strength, Jumping, and Kicking Capacities in Soccer Players
The present study investigated the influence of a 5-week electrostimulation (EMS) training program on muscular strength, kicking velocity, sprint, and vertical jump performance in soccer players. Twenty amateur soccer players participated in the study, 10 in the electrostimulated group and the remaining 10 in a control group. Electrostimulation was applied on the quadriceps muscles over 5 weeks. Subjects were tested before, during (wk-3), and after (wk-5) the EMS training program. Maximal voluntary contraction using different contraction mode (i.e., eccentric, concentric, and isometric), vertical jump height, sprint running for 10 m, and ball speed were examined. We observed an increase in …
Acute effects of dynamic stretching on mechanical properties result from both muscle-tendon stretching and muscle warm-up
We investigated the acute effects of dynamic stretching on mechanical properties of plantar flexor muscles and tested the hypothesis that it would result from an interaction between muscle-tendon stretching and muscle warm-up. To test the stretching effect, dynamic stretching (DS) was compared to static stretching (SS). To test the warm-up effect, DS was compared to submaximal isometric muscle activity (SIMA) with similar contraction intensity. A control condition served as reference. These four conditioning activities were time matched (2×20s) and tested on separate days on 13 volunteers. Electrical neurostimulation was applied to investigate muscle mechanical properties (peak doublet torq…
Could Low-Frequency Electromyostimulation Training be an Effective Alternative to Endurance Training? An Overview in One Adult
This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week low-frequency electromyostimulation training (10Hz) on the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems. To that purpose, aerobic capacity, knee extensor muscles strength and architecture, muscle sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure and heart rate have been evaluated in one healthy male subject (33 year-old, 1.73 m, 73 kg). Results showed improvement of aerobic capacity (+4.5% and +11.5% for maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold) and muscle strength (+11% and +16% for voluntary and evoked force). Moreover, for the first time, this study demonstrated low-frequency training effects on muscle architectu…
Quantifying neuromuscular fatigue induced by repeated Thai-style roundhouse kicks
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Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders and muscle atrophy in mechanically-ventilated traumatic brain injury patients: New insights from a prospective observational study
International audience; Erratum inCorrigendum to "Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders and muscle atrophy in mechanically-ventilated traumatic brain injury patients: New insights from a prospective observational study" [J Crit Care 44 (2018) 87-94]. [J Crit Care. 2019]AbstractPURPOSE:It is unclear whether the muscular changes in mechanically-ventilated traumatic brain injury patients (TBI) are only associated with disuse or additionally to neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders (NED). The correlation between muscle atrophy and NED may affect functional outcomes and rehabilitation programs significantly.MATERIAL AND METHODS:An observational study was performed to investigate th…
Effets du port de collants de compression sur les performances musculaires après un exercice de type circuit training
Resume Objectif Le but de cette etude etait d’examiner l’effet du port de collants longs de compression pendant un circuit training , compose d’exercices sollicitant le cycle etirement-raccourcissement, sur les performances musculaires. Synthese des faits La vitesse lors de sprints de 20 m et la detente verticale ont ete analysees chez sept sujets masculins avant et apres un circuit training realise avec ou sans collants de compression. Conclusion Les reductions des performances lors des sprints et des sauts apres le circuit training etaient similaires avec ou sans le port de collants de compression. Les effets du port de collants de compression sur les performances musculaires sont neglige…
Kinematics and electromyographic activity of horse riders during various cross-country jumps in equestrian
International audience; The objective of this study was to identify the key biomechanical patterns (functional muscles and kinematics) of amateur horse riders during various cross-country jumps in equestrian. Eleven riders first performed a control condition that corresponded to jumps over three different obstacles (log wall, brush and tree trunk) before jumping over the same three obstacles in a cross-country course. 3D Kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity was synchronously collected which included seven muscles of the riders back, lower and upper limbs. Maximum voluntary isometric strength of knee extensors was also measured before and immediately after the race to investigate …
Effects of mixed reality head-mounted glasses during 90 minutes of mental and manual tasks on cognitive and physiological functions
Background We evaluated the effects of a mixed reality (MR) head-mounted deviceon some cognitiveand physiological functions during 90 min tasks in an attempt to determine their safety for workers. Methods A total of 12 volunteers performed 90-min intellectual and manual tasks with and without MR glasses. Balance, Stroop, and memory tests were conducted before, during and after these tasks. Heart rate and electromyographic activity of some muscles were recorded. A survey was used to determine subjective fatigue, pain, or discomfort. Results Balance, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, memory, and attention were unaffected by wearing MR glasses. Electromyographic activity increased with …
Effects of combined electromyostimulation and gymnastics training in prepubertal girls.
This study investigated the effects of a 6-week combined electromyostimulation (EMS) and gymnastic training program on muscle strength and vertical jump performance of prepubertal gymnasts. Sixteen young women gymnasts (age 12.4 ± 1.2 yrs) participated in this study, with 8 in the EMS group and the remaining 8 as controls. EMS was conducted on knee extensor muscles for 20 minutes 3 times a week during the first 3 weeks and once a week during the last 3 weeks. Gymnasts from both groups underwent similar gymnastics training 5-6 times a week. Isokinetic torque of the knee extensors was determined at different eccentric and concentric angular velocities ranging from -60 to +240° per second. Jum…
Effects of different electrical stimulation currents and phase durations on submaximal and maximum torque, efficiency, and discomfort: a randomized crossover trial.
Abstract Background Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an important therapeutic tool for rehabilitation. However, best stimulation parameters remain to be determined. Objective To determine the influence of different electrical stimulation currents and phase durations on torque, efficiency, and discomfort. Methods Using a cross-over design, kHz frequency alternating currents (KFAC) and pulsed currents (PC) with narrow (200 µs) or wide (500 µs) phase durations were randomly applied on knee extensor muscles of healthy participants with a minimum of seven days between sessions. The NMES-evoked torque, NMES-efficiency, and discomfort (visual 0−10 cm analogue scale) were measured for…
Postactivation potentiation in human knee extensors during dynamic passive movements.
Purpose: Postactivation potentiation (PAP), i.e., the increase in twitch torque following a maximal voluntary conditioning contraction, has been shown to depend on muscle contractile conditions (e.g., muscle length). Few studies, however, have investigated the extent of twitch PAP under dynamic conditions in human subjects. Therefore, the aim of the present experiment was to test the twitch PAP during passive dynamic movements following isometric conditioning contractions on nine healthy men. Methods: Maximal twitches were evoked on the knee extensor muscles before and exactly 5 s after a 3-s conditioning maximal voluntary isometric contraction. PAP was determined at a constant joint angle …
Influence of ultra-long-term fatigue on the oxygen cost of two types of locomotion.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue induced by a 65-km ultramarathon on the oxygen cost of running (Cr) and cycling (Ccycl). The day before and immediately after the race, a group of nine well-trained male subjects performed two sub-maximal 4-min exercise bouts: one cycling at a power corresponding to 1.5 W · kg−1 body mass on an electromagnetically braked ergometer, and one running at 11 km · h−1 on a flat asphalt roadway. Before oxygen cost determinations, the subjects performed 12 “ankle” jumps at a given frequency that was fixed by an electronic metronome (2.5 Hz). From the non-fatigued to the fatigued condition, there was a significant increase in minute ventila…
Acute effects of 15min static or contract-relax stretching modalities on plantar flexors neuromuscular properties
The present study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of 15 min static or sub-maximal contract-relax stretching modalities on the neuromuscular properties of plantar flexor muscles. Ten male volunteers were tested before and immediately after 15 min static or contract-relax stretching programs of plantar flexor muscles (20 stretches). Static stretching consisted in 30s stretches to the point of discomfort. For the contract-relax stretching modality, subjects performed 6s sub-maximal isometric plantar flexion before 24s static stretches. Measurements included maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVT) and the corresponding electromyographic activity of soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnem…
Efficacy Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation For Decreasing Neuromuscular Electrophysiological Disorders In Critical Ill Patients
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Alterations of neuromuscular function after an ultramarathon.
Neuromuscular fatigue of the knee extensor (KE) and plantar flexor (PF) muscles was characterized after a 65-km ultramarathon race in nine well-trained runners by stimulating the femoral and tibial nerves, respectively. One week before and immediately after the ultramarathon, maximal twitches were elicited from the relaxed KE and PF. Electrically evoked superimposed twitches of the KE were also elicited during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) to determine maximal voluntary activation. MVC and maximal voluntary activation decreased significantly after the ultramarathon (−30.2 ± 18.0% and −27.7 ± 13.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). Surprisingly, peak twitch increased after the ultramara…
An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study
International audience; Polyphenols are thought to be an interesting ergogenic aid for exercise and recovery. However, most studies regarding the effects of polyphenols investigated several days of supplementations. The present work aimed to study the effects of an acute intake of grape and apple polyphenols on the capacity to maintain intense exercise, here named endurance performance. Forty-eight physically active men (31 ± 6 years) were included in this study. During the two testing sessions, volunteers completed an endurance test at a high percentage of their maximal aerobic power and time to exhaustion was measured. Respiratory and pain parameters were also monitored. The preceding eve…
Immediate effects of shoes inducing ankle-destabilization around Henke's axis during challenging walking gaits: Gait kinematics and peroneal muscles activities
International audience; Due to its high frequency of occurrence, as well as possible residual symptoms, proper treatment of lateral ankle sprains (LAS) is important. From a physiological point of view, increasing the quantity of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the peroneal muscles will mechanically improve the functional stability of the ankle joint. The present study investigated the immediate effects of an ankle destabilization device (ADD) specifically designed to induce imbalances along the Henke’s axis during 3 challenging walking tasks. As the effects of such a device have to be tested on healthy participants before being implemented in rehabilitation programs, 12 healthy particip…
Effects of Constant and Doublet Frequency Electrical Stimulation Patterns on Force Production of Knee Extensor Muscles
International audience; This study compared knee extensors' neuromuscular fatigue in response to two 30-minute stimulation patterns: constant frequency train (CFT) and doublet frequency train (DFT). Fifteen men underwent two separate sessions corresponding to each pattern. Measurements included torque evoked by each contraction and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) measured before and immediately after the stimulation sessions. In addition, activation level and torque evoked during doublets (Pd) and tetanic contractions at 80-Hz (P80) and 20-Hz (P20) were determined in six subjects. Results indicated greater mean torque during the DFT stimulation session as compared with CFT. But, no dif…
Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein
The effects of protein supplementation on muscle thickness and strength seem largely dependent on its composition. The current study aimed at comparing the impact of an oral supplementation with vegetable Pea protein (NUTRALYS®) vs. Whey protein and Placebo on biceps brachii muscle thickness and strength after a 12-week resistance training program. One hundred and sixty one males, aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled in the study and underwent 12 weeks of resistance training on upper limb muscles. According to randomization, they were included in the Pea protein (n = 53), Whey protein (n = 54) or Placebo (n = 54) group. All had to take 25 g of the proteins or placebo twice a day during the 12-…
Validation of a subject specific 3-actuator torque-driven model in human vertical jumping.
In this study, a forward dynamic subject specific 3-actuator torque-driven model of the human musculoskeletal system was created based on measurements of individual characteristics of a subject. Simulation results were compared with experimental vertical squat jumping with and without adding weights. By analyzing kinematic and kinetic experimental data at the instant of the toe-off for the same initial conditions, it was shown that a simple computer simulation using a suitable cost function could reproduce the real task performed by humans. This investigation is the first step in a wider project that will incorporate elastic components, and that will evaluate the advantages of the individua…
Training Effects of Alternated and Pulsed Currents on the Quadriceps Muscles of Athletes
AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks training with different neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) currents (medium alternated and low-frequency pulsed current) on muscle architecture and neuromuscular performance of competitive athletes. A double-blind controlled and randomized experimental study was carried out with 33 athletes (22.2±2.6 yrs, 74.7±9.8 kg, 176.8±6.0 cm), divided into 3 groups: mid-frequency current (MF, n=12), pulsed current (PC, n=11) and the control group (CG, n=10). Quadriceps maximal voluntary peak torque (PT) and corresponding vastus lateralis electromyographic activity, evoked torque (PT-NMES), vastus lateralis muscle thickness, f…
Safety and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation chronaxie-based protocol in critical ill patients: A prospective observational study
International audience; Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocol based on neuromuscular excitability and applied in numerous muscle groups of critical ill patients.Materials and methods: We performed a prospective observational study using an NMES applied daily and bilaterally into 5 muscle groups in lower limbs for 3 consecutive days. The characteristics of NMES were 90 contractions per muscle, pulse width equal to chronaxie, and a pulse frequency of 100 Hz. We assessed safety with central venous oxygen saturation, serum lactate, and creatine phosphokinase measurements. To evaluate feasibility, we re…
Effects of between-set interventions on neuromuscular function during isokinetic maximal concentric contractions of the knee extensors
The presents study investigated the effects of between-set interventions on neuromuscular function of the knee extensors during six sets of 10 isokinetic (120°·s(-1)) maximal concentric contractions separated by three minutes. Twelve healthy men (age: 23.9 ± 2.4 yrs) were tested for four different between-set recovery conditions applied during two minutes: passive recovery, active recovery (cycling), electromyostimulation and stretching, in a randomized, crossover design. Before, during and at the end of the isokinetic session, torque and thigh muscles electromyographic activity were measured during maximal voluntary contractions and electrically-evoked doublets. Activation level was calcul…
Activation of human quadriceps femoris during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions.
Maximal and submaximal activation level of the right knee-extensor muscle group were studied during isometric and slow isokinetic muscular contractions in eight male subjects. The activation level was quantified by means of the twitch interpolation technique. A single electrical impulse was delivered, whatever the contraction mode, on the femoral nerve at a constant 50° knee flexion (0° = full extension). Concentric, eccentric (both at 20°/s velocity), and isometric voluntary activation levels were then calculated. The mean activation levels during maximal eccentric and maximal concentric contractions were 88.3 and 89.7%, respectively, and were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) with respe…
Reliability of knee extension and flexion measurements using the Con-Trex isokinetic dynamometer.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of isokinetic and isometric assessments of the knee extensor and the flexor muscle function using the Con-Trex isokinetic dynamometer. Thirty healthy subjects (15 males, 15 females) were tested and retested 7 days later for maximal strength (isokinetic peak torque, work, power and angle of peak torque as well as isometric maximal voluntary contraction torque and rate of torque development) and fatigue (per cent loss and linear slope of torque and work across a series of 20 contractions). For both the knee extensor and the flexor muscle groups, all strength data - except angle of peak torque - demonstrated moderate-to-high reliability, wi…
Corrigendum to “Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders and muscle atrophy in mechanically-ventilated traumatic brain injury patients: New insights from a prospective observational study” [J Crit Care 44 (2018) 87–94]
Electrostimulation Training Effects on the Physical Performance of Ice Hockey Players
BROCHERIE, F., N. BABAULT, G. COMETTI, N. MAFFIULETTI, and J.-C. CHATARD. Electrostimulation Training Effects on the Physical Performance of Ice Hockey Players. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 455–460, 2005. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a short-term electromyostimulation (EMS) training program on the strength of knee extensors, skating, and vertical jump performance of a group of ice hockey players. Methods: Seventeen ice hockey players participated in this study, with nine in the electrostimulated group (ES) and the remaining height as controls (C). EMS sessions consisted of 30 contractions (4-s duration, 85 Hz) and were carried out 3 wk 1 for…