Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8799748 | Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology | 2018 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
The neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters that optimally modulate torque output during prolonged stimulation protocols are not well-established. The purpose of this study was to compare torque output between low-frequency and high-frequency NMES protocols while increasing stimulation intensity. Eleven healthy young individuals received a repetitive, intermittent low-frequency (20â¯Hz) and high-frequency (60â¯Hz) NMES over the quadriceps muscles. Stimulation intensity was increased throughout the protocol to achieve a submaximal target torque output. Mean torque, peak torque and torque-time integral (TTI) were measured. The 20â¯Hz protocol produced a higher mean torque (Pâ¯=â¯0.001) and TTI (Pâ¯=â¯0.008) compared to the 60â¯Hz protocol. The stimulation intensity required to achieve target torque during NMES was not different between frequencies (Pâ¯>â¯0.0001). When the goal is to optimize torque output during prolonged submaximal NMES, such as during functional electrical stimulation, low-frequency stimulation may be preferred.
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Authors
Joni A. Mettler, Dillon M. Magee, Barbara M. Doucet,