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Updated: Jun 14, 2025
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A Murine Model of Muscle Training by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Published on: May 9, 2012
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Increased deep muscle activity with interference low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation: evaluation by positron
Yuichi Nishikawa1, Junsuke Nakase2, Takuya Sengoku3
1Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Institute of Science & Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan. yuichi@se.kanazawa-u.ac.jp.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 12, 2025
Summary
Low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) effectively boosts glucose metabolism in both deep and superficial muscles. This study used FDG-PET to confirm EMS benefits for trunk, pelvis, and lower extremity muscles.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Medical Imaging
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- The impact of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on deep muscle contraction and metabolism remains under-investigated.
- Understanding EMS effects is crucial for optimizing therapeutic and training applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low-frequency interference EMS enhances muscle metabolism in deep tissues.
- Utilize [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for metabolic assessment.
Main Methods:
- 16 healthy males were divided into EMS and control groups.
- The EMS group received daily low-frequency interference EMS for three days, with FDG-PET imaging on the final day.
- Skeletal muscle metabolism was quantified using standardized uptake value (SUV) from FDG-PET scans.
Main Results:
- The EMS group exhibited significantly higher glucose metabolism compared to the control group.
- Increased FDG uptake was observed in both superficial and deep muscles of the trunk, pelvis, and lower extremities.
Conclusions:
- Low-frequency interference EMS appears to be an effective method for increasing glucose metabolism in a wide range of muscles.
- This finding supports the potential of EMS as an intervention for muscle conditioning and rehabilitation.
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