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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Original Article

Effectiveness of combining microcurrent with resistance training in trained males

Authors: Fernando Naclerio, Marcos Seijo, Bettina Karsten, George Brooker, Leandro Carbone, Jack Thirkell, Eneko Larumbe-Zabala

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11-12/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Microcurrent has been used to promote tissue healing after injury or to hasten muscle remodeling post exercise post exercise.

Purpose

To compare the effects of resistance training in combination with either, microcurrent or sham treatment, on-body composition and muscular architecture. Additionally, changes in performance and perceived delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined.

Methods

Eighteen males (25.7 ± 7.6 years) completed an 8-week resistance training program involving 3 workouts per week (24 total sessions) wearing a microcurrent (MIC, n = 9) or a sham (SH, n = 9) device for 3-h post-workout or in the morning during non-training days. Measurements were conducted at pre and post intervention.

Results

Compared to baseline, both groups increased (p < 0.05) muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (MIC + 2.9 ± 1.4 mm; SH + 3.0 ± 2.4 mm), triceps brachialis (MIC + 4.3 ± 2.8 mm; SH + 2.7 ± 2.6 mm), vastus medialis (MIC + 1.5 ± 1.5 mm; SH + 0.9 ± 0.8 mm) and vastus lateralis (MIC + 6.8 ± 8.0 mm; SH + 3.2 ± 1.8 mm). Although both groups increased (p < 0.01) the pennation angle of vastus lateralis (MIC + 2.90° ± 0.95°; SH + 1.90° ± 1.35°, p < 0.01), the change measured in MIC was higher (p = 0.045) than that observed in SH. Furthermore, only MIC enlarged (p < 0.01) the pennation angle of brachialis (MIC + 1.93 ± 1.51). Both groups improved (p < 0.05) bench press strength and power but only MIC enhanced (p < 0.01) vertical jump height. At post intervention, only MIC decreased (p < 0.05) DOMS at 12-h, 24-h, and 48-h after performing an exercise-induced muscle soreness protocol.

Conclusion

A 3-h daily use of microcurrent maximized muscular architectural changes and attenuated DOMS with no added significant benefits on body composition and performance.

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Title: Effectiveness of combining microcurrent with resistance training in trained males
Authors: Fernando Naclerio
Marcos Seijo
Bettina Karsten
George Brooker
Leandro Carbone
Jack Thirkell
Eneko Larumbe-Zabala
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11-12/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04243-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effectiveness of combining microcurrent with resistance training in trained males

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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