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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-09-2014 | Original Article

Metabolic and cardiovascular responses during voluntary pedaling exercise with electrical muscle stimulation

Authors: Kohei Watanabe, Yoshiki Taniguchi, Toshio Moritani

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2014

Abstract

Purpose

We aimed to test the effect of additional electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) during moderate-intensity voluntary pedaling exercise on metabolic and cardiovascular responses.

Methods

Eleven healthy male subjects performed moderate-intensity pedaling exercise at a constant workload (80 % of ventilatory threshold) for 20 min while EMS was applied to thigh muscles from 5 to 10 min and from 15 to 20 min during the exercise.

Results

A significantly higher oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate, and respiratory gas exchange ratio were observed during the exercise periods with EMS despite the constant workload. These changes were accompanied by an elevated blood lactate concentration, suggesting the existence of additional fast-twitch motor unit (MU) recruitment during the exercise with EMS.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the use of intermittent EMS during a constant load exercise mimics the high-intensity interval training, possibly due to additional fast-twitch MU recruitment and co-contractions of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles, leading to higher anaerobic metabolism and a lower mechanical efficiency.

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Title: Metabolic and cardiovascular responses during voluntary pedaling exercise with electrical muscle stimulation
Authors: Kohei Watanabe
Yoshiki Taniguchi
Toshio Moritani
Publication date: 01-09-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2906-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Metabolic and cardiovascular responses during voluntary pedaling exercise with electrical muscle stimulation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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