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…

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…

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…

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…

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]