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Updated: Jun 19, 2025
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Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
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Does acute dehydration affect the neuromuscular function in healthy adults?-a systematic review
Rúben Francisco1, Filipe Jesus1, Paulo Santos2
1Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Summary
Acute dehydration impairs muscle strength during slow contractions and reduces endurance, primarily affecting peripheral neuromuscular function. Central nervous system mechanisms remain largely unaffected by dehydration.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuromuscular Function
- Sports Science
Background:
- The impact of acute dehydration on neuromuscular function is known, but the underlying central versus peripheral mechanisms are unclear.
- Existing research presents inconsistent findings regarding dehydration's effects on muscle performance and neural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the influence of acute dehydration on neuromuscular function.
- To investigate the specific central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms affected by dehydration.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
- Inclusion criteria: objective dehydration measures, muscle performance, and EMG/TMS/PNS in healthy adults (18-65 years).
- Analysis of 23 eligible studies with heterogeneous dehydration protocols.
Main Results:
- Acute dehydration did not consistently affect maximal strength in isometric or moderate-speed isokinetic contractions.
- Maximal strength during slow-speed isokinetic contractions and endurance fatigue resistance were significantly reduced by dehydration.
- Dehydration did not appear to impair motor cortical output or spinal circuitry.
Conclusions:
- Neuromuscular function impairments due to acute dehydration are primarily peripheral, occurring within the muscle.
- Slow-speed strength and endurance performance are most susceptible to dehydration-induced deficits.
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