Key result
Adding electrical stimulation to low-intensity resistance training does not worsen autonomic or cardiovascular responses.
Why the study?
Low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve deteriorating physical function, but its safety regarding autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses remains unclear.
Does low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation alter autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses compared to resistance training alone in healthy adults?
RCT (n=20)
Open-label
cross-over
Does low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation alter autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses compared to resistance training alone in healthy adults?
The addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to low-intensity resistance training does not cause excessive autonomic or cardiovascular stress in healthy young men.
Supports safety of low-intensity RT + NMES in healthy adults; leaves open translation to clinical populations.
Background: Low-intensity resistance training (RT) combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is one method of exercise to improve the deterioration of physical function. However, it is unclear whether low-intensity RT combined with NMES (RT + NMES) can be safely implemented. Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of low-intensity RT + NMES on autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses in healthy adults. Methods: This study was an open-label, randomized controlled cross-over trial. The exercise intensity of isometric knee extension RT was set to 40% of the maximum voluntary contraction (peak torque). NMES was adjusted to a biphasic asymmetrical waveform with the frequency maintained at 50 Hz and a phase duration of 300 [Formula: see text]s. The difference in the change in autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses was compared by assessing heart rate variability, blood pressure, and heart rate during RT and [Formula: see text]. Results: Twenty healthy male college students (mean age [Formula: see text] years) participated in this study. The ratio of low- and high-frequency components of heart rate variability, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate increased during exercise in the RT and [Formula: see text] sessions ([Formula: see text]). There were no significant differences in autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses throughout the sessions during RT and [Formula: see text]. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results demonstrated that low-intensity [Formula: see text] was safe and did not induce excessive autonomic and cardiovascular responses in healthy adults.
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Kutsuna et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Healthy adults (n=20). Low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation vs. Resistance training alone was evaluated on Difference in the change in autonomic activity and cardiovascular responses (heart rate variability, blood pressure, and heart rate). Low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation was safe and did not induce excessive autonomic and cardiovascular responses compared to resistance training alone.
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