Electro-motor stimulation research methodology and reporting: a need for standardization

The interest in electro-motor stimulation as a strengthening modality has prompted many recent studies. Unfortunately, ambiguity rather than clear directions for future research and clinical practice have emerged. Problems are identified with strength testing methods, and in non-standardized training programmes and stimulus parameters, suggesting the need for minimum requirements when reporting these studies. It is hoped that suggestions presented in this paper will result in more careful research designs, improved inter-study comparison and more appropriate clinical protocols.