Effects of microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation on recovery of muscle performance after high-intensity sprint and resistance combined training sessions

Objective: This study examined the effects of microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) on recovery of hamstring muscle function after high-intensity sprint and resistance training in male collegiate sprinters. Design: A double-blinded, randomized, within-subjects crossover trial. Setting: A university research laboratory. Participants: Nine athletes underwent a crossover trial, receiving either MENS (for 20 min per day) or placebo treatment for five days during and after three consecutive days of training. Main outcome measures: Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force of hamstring, eccentric force using Nordic hamstring (NH force), jump ability (counter movement jump), muscle soreness using a visual analog scale, muscle flexibility, and muscle contractile properties using tensiomyography, were assessed before training and immediately, 1 day, and 2 days after training. Results: < 0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on muscle flexibility and jump height recovery. Conclusions: MENS may be a practical and effective passive recovery strategy to promote performance recovery in sprinters following high-intensity training. The study is the first investigation to evaluate MENS in training context and supports its potential to mitigate overreaching effects and reduce injury risk.