Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Control of Involuntary Muscular Torque and Stimulation Intensity in Older Adults

Authors

Kyndall P. Ramirez, Texas State UniversityFollow
Nigel C. Jiwan, Texas State UniversityFollow
Joni A. Mettler Ph.D, Texas State UniversityFollow

Other Subject Area

neuromuscular exercise and rehabilitation

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(3): 482-496, 2023. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training regimen on involuntary torque output and electrical stimulation intensity in older adults. Twelve older adults (ages: 68.4 ± 6.5 years; men: n = 6, women: n = 6; weight: 158.6 ± 27.3 lbs; height: 65.2 ± 2.1 in) received submaximal intensity NMES to the quadriceps for 4 weeks to determine training-related changes in stimulation intensity and involuntary control of muscular torque during the NMES protocol. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare torque parameters and stimulation intensity between days and across protocol time bins. After training, stimulation intensity and torque increased over the course of the NMES protocol, while torque decreased during the protocol pre-training. These results suggest that muscular endurance of involuntary muscle contraction is increased with NMES training, and that stimulation intensity should be increased throughout the course of training to augment muscular torque output.

Recommended Citation

Ramirez, Kyndall P.; Jiwan, Nigel C.; and Mettler, Joni A. Ph.D (2023) "Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Control of Involuntary Muscular Torque and Stimulation Intensity in Older Adults," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 16 : Iss. 3, Pages 482 - 496.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol16/iss3/3