Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Integrated with Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises on Strength of Quadriceps Muscle

Abstract

Background & Objective: Electrical stimulation has been well studied in strengthening of weak muscles. Incorporating high-intensity NMES into rehabilitation program for muscle strengthening is an effective option available for restoring quadriceps strength. The clinical use of CKC has significantly increased during the past two decades as these exercises concentrates on a co-contraction of the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscles and are labeled as being “sport specific movements. Literature available till date has been largely inconsistent whether combining NMES with either of strength training will produce better results. Therefore, in present study we propose to integrate NMES and CKC exercises protocols in improving strength of Quadriceps Femoris. Method: Thirty Healthy subjects were recruited, group A(n=10) combination technique, group B(n=10) NMES, group C(n=10), CKC group: were given training for 3 days/ week for 4 weeks. Result and Conclusion: maximum improvement resulted in Group C, followed by Group A and minimum improvement in Group B.