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Searching for the Optimum Number of Treatments for Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Muscles can be stimulated electrically by putting current to the muscles. Special pads, called electrodes, are placed on the skin over the muscle. When the electrical current is used to get muscles to contract, it's called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). NMES is sometimes used to help patients gain strength after some types of knee surgery. It is also used by some elite athletes as part of training programs.

Studies have shown how intense NMES needs to be. But it is unclear how many NMES sessions a week are the most effective. These authors tested 27 healthy people who were doing no physical training. The subjects were divided into three groups. The control group got no NMES treatments. The second group got two NMES sessions each week for four weeks. The third group got three NMES sessions a week. NMES was applied to the quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. All NMES sessions lasted 10 minutes.

The subjects were tested for quadriceps strength every week. Strength increased significantly only in the group who got NMES three times a week. This group saw a strength increase of about 13 percent. The authors conclude that three NMES sessions a week may be needed to build strength. They also note that the relationship between intensity and number of sessions is very important. A different combination of intensity and sessions could change the results. The authors call for more research on people with weak thigh muscles.

References: Michael G. Parker, PT, PhD, et al. Strength Response in Human Quadriceps Femoris Muscle During Two Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Programs. In Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. December 2003. Vol. 33. No. 12. Pp. 719-726.

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