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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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27-10-2022 | Original Article

Electrical muscle stimulation in young adults: effect of muscle volume on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels

Authors: Yuichi Nishikawa, Hiroyuki Sakaguchi, Shuhei Kawade, Noriaki Maeda, Shinobu Tanaka, Allison Hyngstrom

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2023

Abstract

Purpose

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is known to be effective at stimulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, but the relationship between the volume of muscle stimulated and BDNF levels is not clear. The purpose of this study was to quantify BDNF as a function of muscle volume stimulated in young adults.

Methods

Twelve young adults (male, n = 9, age = 27.3 ± 5.5 years) were enrolled in this study. Participants completed three testing conditions in randomized order: 23 min of maximum tolerated bilateral stimulation of (1) the quadriceps muscle or (2) the musculature of the entire lower limbs and (3) control testing and retesting after 23 min without an intervention. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 20 min after, and 40 min after the intervention when EMS was applied to the thighs or the entire lower limb conditions. Serum obtained from blood collection was used for BDNF analysis.

Results

The delta value of BDNF for the test and retest in the control condition was − 42.1 ± 73.8 pg/mL, and there was no significant difference between the test and retest BDNF. Compared to stimulation of the quadriceps muscle, stimulation of the entire lower limbs produced significantly higher BDNF at 20 min post-treatment than those at pre-treatment or 40 min post-treatment, and BDNF was also significantly higher immediately post-treatment than those at pre-treatment. Only stimulation of the quadriceps muscle did not induce a significant change between pre- and post-treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the volume of muscle stimulation is important for increased BDNF.

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Title: Electrical muscle stimulation in young adults: effect of muscle volume on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels
Authors: Yuichi Nishikawa
Hiroyuki Sakaguchi
Shuhei Kawade
Noriaki Maeda
Shinobu Tanaka
Allison Hyngstrom
Publication date: 27-10-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2023
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-05078-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Electrical muscle stimulation in young adults: effect of muscle volume on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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