Is Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation a Tool for Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Cross-Over Study with Lifeguards

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Physiology
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Lifeguard training involves strenuous water rescues, necessitating effective recovery strategies.
• Assessing recovery methods is crucial for maintaining lifeguard performance and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ES) in enhancing recovery after a simulated water rescue.
• To compare ES with passive recovery (PR) in terms of physiological and perceptual markers.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six lifeguards performed a simulated water rescue.
• Measurements included blood lactate levels, rated perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle contractile properties (tensiomiography).
• Recovery was assessed after ES or passive recovery (PR).

Main Results:

• ES resulted in significantly lower overall, legs, and arms RPE compared to PR.
• Blood lactate levels were significantly lower after ES recovery than after PR.
• No significant changes in muscle contractile properties were observed between recovery protocols.

Conclusions:

• Low-frequency ES immediately post-water rescue is an effective recovery strategy.
• ES aids in clearing blood lactate concentration more efficiently than passive recovery.
• ES may help reduce subjective feelings of exertion following intense aquatic activity.