Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Effects of Abdominal Microcurrent in the Consumption and Proportion of Energy Substrates during Aerobic Exercise: A
Rui Vilarinho1,2, Susana Miriam Faria2, Pedro Ribeiro Rocha Monteiro1,3
1Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Microcurrent therapy can increase lipolytic activity. However, it is unknown if the increased availability of lipids can influence the selection of energy substrates during a single session of aerobic exercise. We aimed to analyze the effect of microcurrent application to the abdominal region in the consumption of lipids and carbohydrates, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a single session of moderate aerobic exercise in young adults. A pilot study was conducted in which participants were allocated to intervention (IG) or placebo (PG) groups. In both groups, 40 min of microcurrent application with two frequencies (25 and 10 Hz) followed by 50 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (45−55% of heart rate reserve) on a cycloergometer were performed. The microcurrent application was performed without intensity in the PG. A portable gas analyzer (K4b2) was used during exercise in both groups. Thirty-eight participants (20.6 ± 1.8 years; 18 in IG and 20 in PG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the consumption of substrates or RER between the groups during exercise (p > 0.05). Microcurrent application seems to be insufficient to influence the consumption of energy substrates and RER during a single session of aerobic exercise in young adults.
Related Concept Videos
Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State
Outcomes of Glycolysis
Cellular respiration can occur aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). In the presence of oxygen, cellular respiration starts with glycolysis and continues with pyruvate...

