CROSS-EDUCATION EFFECT OBSERVED IN VOLUIUTARY AND ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION STRENGTH TRAINING

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of four weeks of unilateral electromyostimulation(EMS) versus isometric strength training(lM), on knee extension strength of contralateral limb in previously untrained young adults. Subjects performed (IM, n=10) or evoked (EMS, n=10) 40 isometric knee extensions, at an intensity of 65% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, three times per week, for four weeks. Pre and post training, both legs were tested for maximum voluntary strength on an isokinetic dynamometer, at 0 degls (isometric), 60 and 180 degls velocities. The results showed that the EMS and IM training had a similar effect in strength improvement in these subjects. Both types of training induced significant cross-education effect on isometric MVC of the untrained limb, but not in isokinetic torque. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon require further study.