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Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Effects of Narrow- Vs. Wide-Pulse Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Functional Performance
Loïc Espeit1, Vianney Rozand1, Anders Gravholt1
1Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Lyon 1, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Saint-Etienne, France.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training improved explosive and isokinetic strength using both narrow and wide pulses. However, this 6-week program did not enhance jumping performance or reduce muscle fatigability in healthy men.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) effectively enhances maximal isometric strength.
- Previous research shows inconsistent effects of NMES on dynamic and functional performance outcomes.
- Unphysiological motor unit recruitment patterns and isometric training setups are potential reasons for these inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of narrow- vs. wide-pulse NMES training on explosive strength, isokinetic strength, jumping performance, and fatigability.
- To investigate if pulse duration in NMES influences motor unit recruitment and subsequent functional adaptations.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week NMES program on specific performance metrics in healthy men.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six healthy men were randomized into a control group or one of two NMES training groups (narrow pulse: 0.2 ms; wide pulse: 1 ms).
- Participants underwent a 6-week NMES program targeting the quadriceps muscle at 50 Hz and maximal tolerable intensity.
- Pre- and post-training assessments included explosive strength (Rate of Torque Development), isokinetic strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and fatigability.
Main Results:
- Both narrow and wide-pulse NMES groups showed significant improvements in late-phase Rate of Torque Development (RTD) and isokinetic strength at all tested angular velocities.
- No significant changes were observed in early-phase RTD, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, or the fatigue index between pre- and post-training measurements.
- The effects of NMES training on the measured parameters were similar between the narrow and wide pulse groups.
Conclusions:
- Six weeks of NMES training, regardless of pulse duration (narrow vs. wide), effectively enhances explosive and isokinetic strength in healthy men.
- NMES training, under the conditions of this study, does not appear to improve jumping ability or reduce muscle fatigability.
- Future research should explore optimal NMES parameters and training protocols to enhance dynamic and functional performance outcomes.
