The Impact of Strenght Electromyostimulation Training on Muscle Stiffness and Blood Flow: An Exploration Using Shear Wave Elastography and Superb Microvascular Imaging

• Published in: Universal journal of educational research (Print) 2019-01, Vol.7 (1), p.80-86
• Main Authors: Akkoc, Orkun, Caliskan, Emine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise; Exercise Physiology; Muscular Strength; Program Effectiveness; Stimulation; Training
• ISSN: 2332-3205; 2332-3213
• DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2019.070111

To assess the acute effect of strength exercises combined with EMS on blood flow and muscle stiffness using SMI and SWE. This prospective study included 20 participants. Subjects were divided into groups base on calisthenics strength training with EMS and without EMS. Rectus femoris (RF) blood flow was measured at rest and post-exercise with the vascularity index (%) and stiffness was measured in kPa mode to compare the groups. When values are compared at rest and post-exercise, all cases had significantly increased blood flow and stiffness increase in RF post-exercise (resting mean VI [%]: 1.42±0.58 and post-exercise mean VI [%]: 5.36±3.03; resting mean stiffness [kPa]: 8.85±1.38) and post-exercise mean stiffness [kPa]: 10.57±1.79). The blood flow and stiffness values in the group with EMS and exercise had greater increases than the group with exercise without EMS (p=0.007, p=0.05, respectively). Calisthenics strength training increases RF blood flow and stiffness in the acute period. SMI and SWE are beneficial and practical radiological methods that may be used to show these variations. Strength exercises using EMS may be associated with better athletic performance.