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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-02-2014 | Original Article

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation intensity over the tibial nerve trunk on triceps surae muscle fatigue

Authors: Aude-Clémence M. Doix, Boris Matkowski, Alain Martin, Karin Roeleveld, Serge S. Colson

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to investigate whether the intensity modulation of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocol delivered over the nerve trunk of the plantar flexors would lead to differential peripheral and central contributions of muscle fatigue.

Methods

Three fatiguing isometric protocols of the plantar flexors matched for the same amount of isometric torque-time integral (TTI) were randomly performed including a volitional protocol at 20 % of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and two NMES protocols (one at constant intensity, CST; the other at intensity level progressively adjusted to maintain 20 % of MVC, PROG).

Results

No time x protocol interaction was found for any of the variables. The MVC decreased similarly (≈12 %, p < 0.001) after all protocols, so did the potentiated twitch responses (p = 0.001). Although voluntary activation of the plantar flexors did not change, maximal H-reflex to M-wave ratio of the soleus (SOL) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles showed an overall increase (SOL: p = 0.037, GM: p = 0.041), while it remained stable for the gastrocnemius lateralis muscle (p = 0.221). A main time effect was observed only for the SOL maximal V-wave to the superimposed M-wave ratio (p = 0.024) and to the superimposed H-reflex (p = 0.008). While similar central and peripheral adaptations were observed after the three fatiguing protocols, the individual contribution of the three different triceps surae muscles was different.

Conclusion

Whether the current intensity was increased or not, the adaptations after a NMES protocol yield to similar muscle fatigue adaptations as voluntary contractions likely through similar pathways matching a similar TTI.

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Title: Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation intensity over the tibial nerve trunk on triceps surae muscle fatigue
Authors: Aude-Clémence M. Doix
Boris Matkowski
Alain Martin
Karin Roeleveld
Serge S. Colson
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2780-y

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Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation intensity over the tibial nerve trunk on triceps surae muscle fatigue

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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