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Published on: May 1, 2018
Effect of the simultaneous application of NMES and HVPC on knee extension torque
William Holcomb1, Mack D Rubley, Tedd J Girouard
1Department of Kinesiology, UNLV, USA. wholcomb@nevada.edu
Context:
Electrical stimulation using simultaneous application of two current types for multiple effects is a current treatment option, but the effect of this treatment is not currently known.
Objectives:
To compare isometric knee extension torque when using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in combination with High Voltage Pulsed Current (HVPC) versus NMES alone during three contraction conditions of quadriceps.
Design:
Counterbalanced, within-subjects design to test independent variables, stimulation protocol, and contraction condition; ANOVA to analyze dependent variable, peak torque.
Setting:
Athletic Training Research Laboratory.
Participants:
14 healthy subjects (7 male and 7 female, age = 21.9 +/- 2.0 yr, height = 173.4 +/- 10.1 cm, weight = 76.1 +/- 16.7 kg).
Intervention:
Participants performed three contraction conditions during two stimulation protocols.
Main Outcome Measure:
Peak isometric knee extension torque.
Results:
The main effect for Stimulation Protocol was not significant: F1,26 = .01, P = .94.
Conclusion:
Simultaneous application of HVPC with NMES does not facilitate the neuromuscular response but may provide an efficient treatment when managing atrophy, strength loss, pain, and edema associated with reconstructive surgery.
