Health Technologies

Electrical stimulation increases resistance training strength and muscle mass – study

Using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) while doing resistance training leads to greater muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone, new research has found.

NMES uses electrical currents to contract muscles. The stimulation devices are easy to use and widely available on the market.

Researchers in the US conducted the meta-analysis comprising more than a dozen studies that used NMES and reviewed their results.

Sudip Bajpeyi, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at El Paso.

The researcher said: “A meta-analysis provides more comprehensive evidence on studies that explore the same research question.

“This approach allows us to move beyond the limitations of individual studies and make more informed, evidence-based conclusions.”

The team specifically analysed research that combined NMES with resistance training.

The analysis focused on studies where participants performed traditional resistance exercises, such as bench presses or squats, while using NMES devices.

That’s when you do about eight to 12 repetitions of one weight training exercise, rest and repeat, Bajpeyi said.

The studies compared the results of participants using electrical stimulators while exercising to those who did the exercises with no electrical stimulation.

Participants’ muscle mass and strength were assessed at the beginning and the end of each study.

Training periods for participants ranged from two to 16 weeks, with longer durations yielding better results.

Bajpeyi said: “Under normal conditions, the brain activates muscles by sending signals through the nervous system.

“NMES mimics this process by delivering external electrical currents to the nerves, causing the muscles to contract, without input from the brain.

“Think of it as though your muscles are contracting involuntarily.”

Bajpeyi is the director of the Metabolic Nutrition and Exercise Research (MiNER) lab at UTEP, where his team studies how NMES or other interventions can improve physical and metabolic health.

Bajpeyi is currently investigating how NMES might help regulate blood glucose levels and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.

He said: “Exercise is medicine, but not everyone is able or willing to engage in traditional exercise.

“NMES has great potential for improving metabolic health by building muscle mass, which can help the body process blood glucose more effectively.”

Bajpeyi said his NMES study results are forthcoming.

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