Russian and Low-Frequency Currents Induced Similar Neuromuscular Adaptations in Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Journal of sport rehabilitation 2020-07, Vol.29 (5), p.594-601
• Main Authors: Modesto, Karenina Arrais Guida, de Oliveira, Pedro Ferreira Alves, Fonseca, Hellora Gonçalves, Azevedo, Klaus Porto, Guzzoni, Vinicius, Bottaro, Martim, Babault, Nicolas, Durigan, Joao Luiz Quagliotti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Human health and pathology; Life Sciences; Tissues and Organs
• ISSN: 1056-6716
• DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0314

Context : Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is widely used to induce muscular strength increase; however, no study has compared Russian current (RC) with pulsed current (PC) effects after a training program. Objectives : We studied the effects of different neuromuscular electrical stimulation currents, RC, and PC on the neuromuscular system after a 6-week training period. Design : Blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting : Laboratory. Patients : A total of 27 male soccer players (age 22.2 [2.2] y, body mass 74.2 [10.0] kg, height 177 [0] cm, and body mass index 23.7 [2.9] kg/cm 2 for the control group; 22.1 [3.1] y, 69.7 [5.7] kg, 174 [0] cm, and 23.0 [2.5] kg/cm for the PC group; and 23.0 [3.4] y, 72.1 [10.7] kg, 175 [0] cm, and 23.5 [3.4] kg/cm for the RC group) were randomized into 3 groups: (1) control group; (2) RC (2500 Hz, burst 100 Hz, and phase duration 200 μs); and (3) PC (100 Hz and 200 μs). Intervention : The experimental groups trained for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions per week with neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Main Outcome Measures : Maximal voluntary isometric contraction and evoked torque, muscle architecture, sensory discomfort (visual analog scale), and electromyographic activity were evaluated before and after the 6-week period. Results : Evoked torque increased in the RC (169.5% [78.2%], P