PMC  PDF ISSUE 8(3)
Original Article
J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2023 Sep; 8(3):163-173 Copied!
10.22540/JFSF-08-163 Copied!

Superimposed electromyostimulation of the thigh muscles during passive isokinetic cycling increases muscle strength without effort
  • Department of Education, College of Education, Psychology and Human Studies, Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan


Abstract
Objectives
This study was designed to investigate the effects of a completely passive isokinetic cycle (PIC) exercise with electromyostimulation (EMS) on improving muscle strength and the changes in kinesthesia during daily activities.
Methods
Twenty-nine sedentary females were divided into three groups. The EMS anterior and whole groups performed the PIC exercise without EMS 3 times a week for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week break, and then performed it with EMS applied to the anterior and entire thigh muscles, respectively, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not perform any training.
Results
The PIC exercise with EMS significantly increased the 30s chair stand test scores by 12-16% and the maximum isometric knee extension and flexion torques by 38-68% in both EMS-applied groups. The participants found its exercise easy and felt more comfortable with daily physical activities. The exercise without EMS did not show similar improvements. Muscle soreness was significantly greater in the EMS anterior group than in the EMS whole group; however, it was not severe.
Conclusions
The PIC exercise with EMS resulted in significant increases in muscle strength, facilitating a perceived ease of daily physical activities, while minimizing difficulties, effort, and notable muscle soreness.
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