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Updated: Jul 18, 2025
Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Control of Involuntary Muscular Torque and Stimulation
Kyndall P Ramirez1, Nigel C Jiwan1, Joni A Mettler1
1Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training regimen on involuntary torque output and electrical stimulation intensity in older adults. Twelve older adults (ages: 68.4 ± 6.5 years; men: n = 6, women: n = 6; weight: 158.6 ± 27.3 lbs; height: 65.2 ± 2.1 in) received submaximal intensity NMES to the quadriceps for 4 weeks to determine training-related changes in stimulation intensity and involuntary control of muscular torque during the NMES protocol. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare torque parameters and stimulation intensity between days and across protocol time bins. After training, stimulation intensity and torque increased over the course of the NMES protocol, while torque decreased during the protocol pre-training. These results suggest that muscular endurance of involuntary muscle contraction is increased with NMES training, and that stimulation intensity should be increased throughout the course of training to augment muscular torque output.
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