INFLUENCE OF ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION ON HUMAN QUADRICEPS FEMORIS MUSCLE STRENGTH AND BULK

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of training using electromyostimulation (EMS) on the concentric torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle and its crosssectional area in men. The population splitted up into two groups of 10 trained male subjects carried out training at 3 sessions a week for 5 weeks. The experimental group used a computerized stimulator delivering a current pulses lasting 100 microseconds at 60 hertz frequency. Contraction time was 5 seconds and rest time 15 seconds for a session lasting 10 minutes. The control group carried out 30 full extensions of the knees at 70% of the maximal contraction. Rest ti mc was 15 seconds too. Biomechanical tests were performed with an isokinetic ergo meter, the CY BM 340 (Lumex Corporation, NY, USA). The voluntary peak torque and the time taken to achieve it were recorded for a range of 6 different angular velocities (30,60,90, 180, 300 et 360'1s). Bulk measured with a computed tomography of the cross-sectional area by scanning the right thigh 24 cm above the kneecap, had given a report of a significant trend. The results that will be discussed show they have a beneficial effect on the increase of bulk with an improvement of explosive power skill.