The effects of mild electro-stimulation on elite Australian Rules football players throughout a 14 day altitude training camp

Abstract

Purpose: Altitude training has been well presented in the literature to induce a catabolic physiological response leading to exercise-induced muscle damage. It has been suggested that the use of mild electro-stimulation may decrease inflammation and help accelerate recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.Methodology: Twenty-one elite Australian Rules football players attended a 14-day altitude training camp and were assigned into two groups. This consisted of a control (n = 10)andan intervention (n = 11) group. The intervention group were provided with portable mild electro-stimulation units and educated about their use based on protocols recommended by the manufacturer. This included daily use on the camp and in-flight protocols for air travel. All players completed the same training and group recovery activities throughout the camp. Players completed daily diary responses, which the players were familiar with before the camp, relating to perceived muscle soreness, energy levels, mental state, subjective range of movement and sleep quality. Player heart rate was also recorded on a daily basis.Results: No differences between the control and intervention group were seen in terms of age, weight or skinfolds (p > 0.05), although the intervention group was taller than the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group reported lower levels of perceived muscle soreness than the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups on any other variables.Conclusion: The use of mild electro-stimulation throughout a 14-day altitude training camp reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness in a group of elite Australian Football players. Study of the mechanisms of this effect are outside the scope of this study and may warrant further research. Purpose: Altitude training has been well presented in the literature to induce a catabolic physiological response leading to exercise-induced muscle damage. It has been suggested that the use of mild electro-stimulation may decrease inflammation and help accelerate recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. Methodology: Twenty-one elite Australian Rules football players attended a 14-day altitude training camp and were assigned into two groups. This consisted of a control (n = 10)andan intervention (n = 11) group. The intervention group were provided with portable mild electro-stimulation units and educated about their use based on protocols recommended by the manufacturer. This included daily use on the camp and in-flight protocols for air travel. All players completed the same training and group recovery activities throughout the camp. Players completed daily diary responses, which the players were familiar with before the camp, relating to perceived muscle soreness, energy levels, mental state, subjective range of movement and sleep quality. Player heart rate was also recorded on a daily basis. Results: No differences between the control and intervention group were seen in terms of age, weight or skinfolds (p > 0.05), although the intervention group was taller than the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group reported lower levels of perceived muscle soreness than the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups on any other variables. Conclusion: The use of mild electro-stimulation throughout a 14-day altitude training camp reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness in a group of elite Australian Football players. Study of the mechanisms of this effect are outside the scope of this study and may warrant further research.