Effect of electrical muscle stimulation on cerebrovascular function and cognitive performance

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is known to improve physical function.
• The effects of EMS on cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamics are not well understood.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for exploring new therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a single EMS session on cerebrovascular function.
• To assess the effects of EMS on cognitive performance in healthy young adults.
• To explore EMS as a potential surrogate for voluntary exercise.

Main Methods:

• 17 healthy young participants underwent a 25-min EMS session and a resting control session in a randomized order.
• Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) in the middle and posterior cerebral arteries (MCAv and PCAv), cerebral oxygenation, cardiac output, and heart rate were measured.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Rey auditory verbal learning test-part B and the congruent Stroop task before and after each condition.

Main Results:

• EMS increased MCAv, cardiac output, heart rate, and cerebral oxygenation, while PCAv remained unchanged.
• Participants showed improved performance on the Rey auditory verbal learning test-part B and congruent Stroop task after EMS compared to the control.
• A single EMS session positively influenced both cerebrovascular parameters and cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• A single session of EMS can enhance cognitive performance and increase cerebral blood flow velocity and oxygenation.
• EMS shows potential as a valuable alternative to voluntary exercise, particularly for individuals with severe physical limitations.
• EMS may be a beneficial tool in rehabilitation for improving cerebral perfusion and cognitive function in sedentary populations.