Effect of the simultaneous application of NMES and HVPC on knee extension torque

• Published in: Journal of sport rehabilitation Vol. 16; no. 4; p. 307
• Main Authors: Holcomb, William, Rubley, Mack D, Girouard, Tedd J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-2007
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Electric Stimulation Therapy - instrumentation; Electric Stimulation Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Isometric Contraction - physiology; Knee Injuries - rehabilitation; Knee Joint - physiology; Male; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Torque; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1056-6716
• DOI: 10.1123/jsr.16.4.307

Electrical stimulation using simultaneous application of two current types for multiple effects is a current treatment option, but the effect of this treatment is not currently known.
To compare isometric knee extension torque when using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in combination with High Voltage Pulsed Current (HVPC) versus NMES alone during three contraction conditions of quadriceps.
Counterbalanced, within-subjects design to test independent variables, stimulation protocol, and contraction condition; ANOVA to analyze dependent variable, peak torque.
Athletic Training Research Laboratory.
14 healthy subjects (7 male and 7 female, age = 21.9 +/- 2.0 yr, height = 173.4 +/- 10.1 cm, weight = 76.1 +/- 16.7 kg).
Participants performed three contraction conditions during two stimulation protocols.
Peak isometric knee extension torque.
The main effect for Stimulation Protocol was not significant: F1,26 = .01, P = .94.
Simultaneous application of HVPC with NMES does not facilitate the neuromuscular response but may provide an efficient treatment when managing atrophy, strength loss, pain, and edema associated with reconstructive surgery.