Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Impacts Physiological Responses During Aerobic Running: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the physiological and metabolic responses to running with whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) compared to running without electromyostimulation (control, CG). Methods: Twenty healthy participants (9 male/11 female, age 42 ±7 years) conducted an incremental step test with respiratory gas analysis until exhaustion. Trials were conducted as wbEMS and CG in a random order. As outcome measures, (A) objective total exhaustion, (B) athletic responses (max. time and velocity) and (C) physiological and metabolic responses (V'O2/ kg, V'E, EE, RER, lactate) were compared. (D) The impact on the skeletal muscle was assessed prior, 48 h & 72 h after trial. Results: During both trials, participants (A) ran until total exhaustion. Nonetheless, (B) time and velocity till exhaustion as well as (C) RER prior to the first lactate threshold and V'E were reduced with wbEMS. All other correlates did not differ significantly between wbEMS and CG. Following 48 h and 72 h after the trial with wbEMS, (D) the impact on the skeletal muscle was 7- to 9-fold higher compared to baseline values. Values differed significantly to those after running without wbEMS. Conclusion: With the additional stimulation during voluntary activation, wbEMS induces earlier fatigue and a shift in energy metabolism toward fat utilization. Even during aerobic endurance tasks, a great impact on the skeletal muscle indicated by the rise in CK could be observed which promotes wbEMS as an alternative training stimulus that is easy-to-apply and effective during endurance training.

Effects of electromyostimulation on physiological determinants of endurance-performance in healthy subjects: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Electromyostimulation (EMS) is an additional training stimulus to voluntary muscle activation, which was previously used for rehabilitation purposes only. However, its use has increasingly been shown to be able to optimize sports performance. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of EMS training on physiological determinants of endurance performance in healthy subjects. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of EMS training on endurance-related performance parameters in healthy subjects. A systematic search of three databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Livivo), based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines was performed. Studies that included healthy subjects, electromyostimulation intervention with control group, physiological and endurance performance outcomes were assessed. The quality of studies was evaluated with the PEDro Scale. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Full-text articles of 26 studies were reviewed and 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results revealed improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake at ventilatory thresholds, running economy, and maximal lactate blood concentrations following EMS intervention; while maximum heart rate was not affected. Performance outcomes such as time-trial performance, time to exhaustion, and maximal work capacity also tended to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review conclude that electromyostimulation enhances oxygen uptake, running economy, lactate concentrations, and time-trial performance. Therefore, endurance could be improved in healthy individuals. Furthermore, its time efficiency advantages increase the potential and interest for further use and research. Nevertheless, methodological differences should be considered and more consensus in training programs is needed, to prove that electromyostimulation is beneficial regarding endurance parameters in healthy subjects.

Vibration therapy in patients with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

The neurological disorder cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by unprogressive lesions of the immature brain and affects movement, posture, and the musculoskeletal system. Vibration therapy (VT) is increasingly used to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with this developmental disability. The purpose of this narrative review was systematically to appraise published research regarding acute and long-term effects of VT on functional, neuromuscular, and structural parameters. Systematic searches of three electronic databases identified 28 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies were analyzed to determine participant characteristics, VT-treatment protocols, effect on gross motor function (GMF), strength, gait, posture, mobility, spasticity, reflex excitability, muscle tone, mass, and bone strength within this population, and outcome measures used to evaluate effects. The results revealed that one acute session of VT reduces reflex excitability, spasticity, and coordination deficits. Subsequently, VT has a positive effect on the ability to move, manifested for GMF, strength, gait, and mobility in patients with CP. Effects persist up to 30 minutes after VT. Long-term effects of VT manifest as reduced muscle tone and spasticity occurring concomitantly with improved movement ability in regard to GMF, strength, gait, and mobility, as well as increased muscle mass and bone-mineral density. Posture control remained unaffected by VT. In conclusion, the acute and chronic application of VT as a nonpharmacological approach has the potential to ameliorate CP symptoms, achieving functional and structural adaptations associated with significant improvements in daily living. Even though further studies including adult populations validating the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the aforementioned adaptations should be fostered, growing scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of VT in regard to supplementing conventional treatments (physiotherapy and drugs). Therefore, VT could reduce CP-associated physical disability and sensorimotor handicaps. Goals for patients and their caregivers referring to greater independence and improved safety may be achieved more easily and time efficiently.