Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Research Articles

Impact of different muscle lengthening amplitudes combined with electrical nerve stimulation on torque production.

This study investigated torque production resulting from the combined application wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), delivered over the posterior tibial nerve, and muscle lengthening at two distinct amplitudes. Wide-pulse NMES (pulse duration: 1ms; stimulation intensity: 5 - 10% of maximal voluntary contraction) was delivered at both low (20 Hz) and high (100 Hz) stimulation frequencies, either alone (NMES condition) or combined with a muscle lengthening at two amplitudes (10 or 20° ankle joint rotation; NMES+LEN10 and NMES+LEN20 conditions, respectively). For each frequency, the torque-time integral (TTI) and the muscle activity following the cessation of stimulation trains (sustained EMG activity) were calculated. At 20 Hz, TTI was higher (P=0.007) during NMES+LEN10 (233.2 ± 101.5 Nm.s) and NMES+LEN20 (229.2 ± 92.1 Nm.s) than during the NMES condition (187.5 ± 74.5 Nm.s), without any change in sustained EMG activity (P=0.54). At 100 Hz, TTI was higher (P=0.038) during NMES+LEN10 (226.6 ± 115.3 Nm.s) than during NMES+LEN20 (180.6 ± 84.0 Nm.s) and NMES (173.9 ± 94.9 Nm.s). This torque enhancement was accompanied by a higher sustained EMG activity (P=0.045) in the NMES+LEN10 condition. These findings show that, for low-frequency NMES, significant torque increases were observed with both a 10- or a 20-degree lengthening amplitude, probably linked to increased afferents' activation. In contrast, with high-frequency NMES, a significant TTI enhancement was observed only with the 10-degree amplitude, accompanied by increased sustained EMG activity, suggesting neural mechanisms' involvement. When a greater lengthening amplitude was superimposed during high-frequency NMES, these mechanisms were probably inhibited, precluding torque enhancement.

Combination of traditional Chinese bone setting and NMES technique for treating lumbar disc herniation: a case report

ObjectiveTo analyze and study the causes and treatment approaches for lumbar disc herniation, focusing on office workers.MethodsThe concept of spinal internal balance disorder as a foundation for treating traumatic spinal diseases was introduced. Pathological changes occurring with single (or multiple) vertebral displacement were considered. For the first time, the “spinal (point) rotation repositioning method” from traditional Chinese bone setting was combined with NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) technology to treat low back pain.ResultsThe patient's symptoms of low back pain were cured within a short period, allowing a quick return to work and daily life, with no recurrence of the disease observed during long-term follow-up.ConclusionThe combination of traditional Chinese bone setting and NMES provides a more effective and quicker resolution to low back pain in office workers with lumbar disc herniation. This integrated approach not only relieves pain but also restores lumbar function, ensuring long-term stability and reducing recurrence.

Current Practice Patterns in the Management of Bell's Palsy Among Physiotherapists of Sargodha, Pakistan

Objectives: We intend to find out current practice patterns in managing Bell’s palsy among the physiotherapists of Sargodha, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2022. Data were obtained from 50 physiotherapists working in various clinical settings of Sargodha with more than 2 years of clinical experience. They were selected using convenient sampling. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather all necessary information regarding the physical therapy practice patterns of Bell’s palsy. The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS software, version 20. Results: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) was the preferred (42%) neurodevelopmental technique used in current practice patterns to manage Bell’s palsy. The most used therapeutic exercises by the physiotherapists were facial expression coordination exercises (66%). Also, 44% of physiotherapists used electrical muscle stimulation as the preferred electrotherapeutic modality in their current practice. Soft tissue release (54%) was the most preferred manual therapy technique in Bell’s palsy patients. The combination of electrical muscle stimulation, facial exercises, and biofeedback was the most used (54%) among physiotherapists. Discussion: Current practice for Bell’s palsy treatment includes PNF techniques, facial expression coordination exercises, soft tissue release, and electrical muscle stimulation by most physiotherapists in Sargodha. The most preferred combination was facial exercises, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.

Unlocking the potential of neuromuscular electrical stimulation: achieving physical activity benefits for all abilities

Unlocking the potential of neuromuscular electrical stimulation: achieving physical activity benefits for all abilities

Motorpoint Heatmap of the Hamstring Muscles to Facilitate Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation.

The effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) depends on electrode placement, with placement over the motor points (MPs) being the most effective. This study aimed to determine the MP-distribution and establish a heatmap indicating the probability of finding a MP in different areas of the hamstring (H) muscles. Additionally, inter-individual variations in the number of MPs were investigated. Thirty-one healthy participants (15 females, 16 males), aged 18-65 years, were included. The individual anatomy of the H-muscles, including the biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM), was determined using ultrasound. MPs were located using a MP-search pen. The thigh anatomy was divided into 70 3x3cm areas, and the probability of finding a MP in each area was calculated using the Clopper-Pearson test to create a heatmap. Regression analysis was employed to determine if patient characteristics were associated with the number of MPs. The two best areas, found over BF and ST, exhibited a 39% probability of containing a MP and were significantly more likely to contain a MP compared to 85% of the remaining areas (p < 0.05). Two areas over SM had a 29% probability of containing a MP. BF exhibited a significantly higher number of MPs compared to SM and ST (p < 0.001). Male sex and higher physical activity were independent explanatory factors positively correlated with the number of MPs over BF in the multiple linear regression (R2 = 0.38, p = 0.001). The MP-heatmap of the H-muscles can effectively facilitate NMES application by highlighting areas with a higher probability of finding a MP. Large inter-individual variations in location and number of MPs were demonstrated.

Muscle Metabolism During Multiple Muscle Stimulation Using an Affordable Equipment

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), while expensive, can provide some of the health benefits of exercise to people who cannot exercise their legs normally. The aim of this study was to quantify the increases in muscle metabolism in four muscles of the legs of able-bodied individuals with NMES. Methods: Healthy college-aged students were tested. NMES of four muscle groups was performed with inexpensive stimulators and reusable tin foil electrodes. The biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles on one leg were stimulated for ten minutes with twitch stimulations at the highest comfortable stimulation current. Muscle metabolism was measured using the slope of oxygen consumption measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during 5 s of cuff ischemia. Results: Initial studies found fold increases in muscle metabolism above rest of 8.9 ± 8.6 for the vastus lateralis, 7.9 ± 11.9 for the biceps femoris, 6.6 ± 7.8 for the medial gastrocnemius, and 4.9 ± 3.9 for the tibialis anterior. Some participants were able to obtain large increases in muscle metabolism, while other participants had lower increases. Conclusions: The ability to produce large increases in metabolism has the potential to allow NMES to replace or augment exercise to improve health in people who cannot otherwise exercise. The devices used were inexpensive and could be adapted for easy use by a wide range of individuals.

Magnetic and electrical stimulation in complex rehabilitation for myelodysplasia in children: a clinical randomized study

Introduction. Myelodysplasia (MD) in children is accompanied by disorders of the musculoskeletal system and pelvic functions, causing a decrease in activity and restriction of participation in society, leading to disability and contributing to social isolation. The rehabilitation potential, determined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), is realized when the child is active and participates in the processes of life. The improvement of methods and technologies for the rehabilitation of children with MD remains relevant. Aim. To study the effect of medical rehabilitation in children with MD on the development of motor skills in all children and self-care in children over the age of 1 year. Materials and methods. The study included 117 children diagnosed with male and female MD between the ages of 6 months and 13 years, 11 months and 30 days (average age 6 years and 9 ± 6 months). The diagnosis of the functioning of the body was performed in the categorical profile of the ICF using a ranking system for the degree of disorders / limitations of functioning. The subjects are divided into three groups. Patients of group I received physical rehabilitation, ergotherapy, magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord (MS) and electromyostimulation (EMS); group II — physical rehabilitation, ergotherapy and MS; group III — standard physical therapy techniques, massage, ergotherapy, therapy with sinusoidal modulated currents (SMT-therapy) on the muscles of the lower extremities. Results and discussion. The effectiveness of consistent use of MS, EMS during physical exercises for the development of motor skills, classes with an occupational therapist on self-service skills has been demonstrated in children with MD, which is confirmed by positive dynamics in mobility and self-service skills assessed using functional scales and questionnaires. Medical rehabilitation increases muscle strength in children with MMD, and the combined use of MS with EMS during targeted exercises contributes to the effective development of motor functions. The development of motor skills and classes with an occupational therapist increase the level of independence in children with MD. Conclusion. Medical rehabilitation with the inclusion of MS and EMS during the performance of targeted exercises contributes to the better development of motor skills and improves self-care in children with MD.

Electrical stimulation methods for scoliosis in children: a literature review

Introduction. Scoliosis is one of the most common orthopedic diseases of childhood and adolescence, leading to disability and reducing the child’s quality of life. The prevalence of scoliosis in the structure of pediatric orthopedic pathology reaches 30 %. In 50 % of cases, the disease is characterized by a severe progressive course, especially during puberty. Aim. Studying the effectiveness of electrical stimulation methods for scoliosis in children to develop recommendations for their practical use based on the analysis of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. Materials and methods. The search was carried out using the database of evidence-based physiotherapy PubMed, Cyberleninka and eLIBRARY using the keywords: «electrical stimulation», «pulse currents», «scoliosis», «children» for the period from 2008–2024.Exclusion criteria: articles published on this topic before 2008. Main content. The main methods of physiotherapy used in the treatment of scoliosis in children are electrotherapy methods, among which electrical stimulation plays a leading role. The advantage of electrical stimulation for scoliosis in children is to provide training in the strength and tone of the back muscles on the side of the deformity. Electrical stimulation is indicated for scoliosis of I and II degrees. The greatest effect in the correction of scoliotic spinal deformity in children is observed with the combined use of electrical stimulation and exercise therapy. This review provides data on the relevance of medical rehabilitation of scoliosis in children, the mechanism of action of electrical stimulation, data on the effectiveness of using electrical stimulation methods for scoliosis in children: sinusoidal modulated currents, diadynamic therapy, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, interference therapy, fluctuarization and functional programmable electrical stimulation. Conclusion. Currently, a wide range of electrical stimulation technologies has been developed for the medical rehabilitation of children with scoliosis, among which sinusoidally modulated currents and diadynamic currents are most often used. Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, having a predominantly antinociceptive effect, also has an effect on muscle contractions. Functional programmable electrical stimulation of muscles is a promising technology for medical rehabilitation of children with scoliosis, requiring further study and scientific justification.

Effects of electrical muscle stimulation exercise on lower limb muscles and lumbar movement in older adults with disabilities: A pre- and post-test controlled experimental study

In older adults with disabilities, muscle weakness reduces mobility and causes postural issues. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training is effective for increasing strength by inducing involuntary skeletal muscle contractions. Thus, this study aimed to examine changes in lumbar movement, muscle activity during walking, and maximum muscle strength of lower-limb joints based on an 8-week EMS exercise program for older adults with physical disabilities. Sixteen older adults (aged 56–78 years) with physical disabilities were selected and randomly assigned to either the exercise group (EG, n = 8) or the control group (CG, n = 8). EG participants were instructed to wear EMS suits and participate in an elastic band and bare-body exercise program, whereas CG participants performed the exercise program without the EMS suits. Lumbar range of motion (ROM), body circumference, partial volume, maximum muscle strength, and muscle activity were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 for Windows, with the critical value of α = 0.05. Compared to CG participants, EG participants had a superior ROM, body volume, partial volume, maximum muscle strength (knee joints), and muscle activity while walking. These positive outcomes highlight the efficacy of combining EMS with an exercise program for strength and rehabilitation training in older adults with physical disabilities.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation for the Conservative Management of Female Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: A Scoping Review

Background: Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a conservative management tool for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs). The aim of this review was to scope, summarize and critically evaluate available research investigating the impact of various modes of EMS on PFDs in females. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was used with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Three databases were searched. Articles published in English that included female participants living with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction where EMS was used as a conservation care intervention were included in the review. Included studies were analyzed following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials was used to assess risk of bias for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and Hawker and Payne’s quality appraisal criteria was used to appraise the data from the other included papers systematically. Results: A total of 37 studies, including 20 RCTs were included. A favorable impact, across various outcomes, was found across trials which investigated different types of EMS with varying protocols. The heterogenous nature of intervention protocols limited the ability to apply any statistical or meta-analyses. EMS demonstrates a positive effect for improving outcomes related to PFDs in adult women. Included studies support the use of EMS for stress, urgency and mixed urinary incontinence. All versions of EMS studied were found to provide significant improvements, which included them being used as a sole intervention or as an adjunct intervention. High intensity forms of EMS were consistently found to require shorter intervention times. Conclusions: EMS demonstrates improvement across outcomes for PFDs among adult women. In particular, the results of this review suggest that EMS may be particularly useful in women living with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or who those are unable to perform voluntary muscle contractions when pelvic floor muscle training is attempted. Further research related to more novel versions of high intensity EMS approaches is needed.

Effect of subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation on sprint interval exercise.

The study aimed to determine the acute effects of subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with active recovery between sprint exercises on blood lactate accumulation, sprint performance, and muscle fatigue. Sixteen healthy young individuals [23(4) years, 10 males] underwent a 1-min rest followed by sprint interval training consisting of four 15-sec maximal sprint exercises with three 5-min active cycling sessions. Participants engaged in voluntary cycling at 40% of peak oxygen consumption, with or without NMES (VOLES or VOL; interventions). Blood lactate concentration ([La]b) was assessed at the end of the rest and each intervention periods. Mean power was assessed during each sprint exercise session. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensor was measured before and after sprint interval training to evaluate muscle fatigue. The [La]b was significantly higher in VOLES than in VOL (main effect, P=0.037). Mean power did not differ between conditions (main effect and interaction, P>0.050). MVC after sprint interval exercise was significantly lower in VOLES than in VOL (interaction, P<0.001). Subtetanic NMES combined with voluntary cycling enhanced blood lactate accumulation and induced greater voluntary fatigue but resulted in similar peripheral muscle fatigue and sprint exercise performance compared with voluntary cycling without NMES.

Youth athletes and wearable technology

Wearable sensors have become integral tools for monitoring biomechanical and physiologic aspects of athletic training and performance. A prominent trend in fitness technology, wearable devices now measure a variety of health characteristics, including movement and posture, physiologic measures (eg, heart rate and energy expenditure), and fluid and electrolyte losses, to understand an athlete’s physiologic responses during activity. Sleep has proven integral to athletic performance, and sleep monitoring wearable devices (eg, watches, rings, and headbands) use various measures, such as actigraphy and pulse oximetry, to analyze sleep quality. Young athletes benefit from wearable devices during training sessions, where multimodal data are collected and analyzed to assess performance. Wearable devices are also useful for resistance training, biofeedback, and electrical muscle stimulation, providing athletes with tools to optimize their training regimens. Moreover, these devices play a crucial role in athlete safety by monitoring cardiac physiology, head impacts, and muscle rehabilitation after injury. We provide a comprehensive review of current wearable technology and its application in youth athletics, describe where and how these sensors are used to help enhance physiologic, biomechanical, and performance parameters, and discuss future directions for wearable devices to advance sports science and athlete management.

Efficacy of electrical stimulation of the zygomaticus muscle in complete facial paralysis: evidence from facial grading and automated image analysis.

Surface Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a well-studied intervention for multiple muscular disorders. However, it is still controversially discussed as a complementary therapy for complete facial paralysis. The aim of this intervention is to test a daily home-based ES concept as a pilot study regarding safety, feasibility, and effects on facial functionality and symmetry. In a prospective single-centre pilot study, 10 patients (median 61 years, denervation 130 d) with complete peripheral facial paralysis performed home-based FES of the affected lateral mouth region Stimulation parameters, facial paralysis scores and standardised photographs were assessed in monthly follow-ups. No serious adverse events appeared. Stimulation parameters could be constantly increased indicating effective muscle training while subjectively perceived functionality of the face improved. Thus, smile angle of the paralysed side improved as well. FES is a safe therapy model for application in facial nerve paralysis patients. A feasible stimulation protocol could be applied, which improved the functionality and symmetry of the stimulated facial region. A future controlled, randomised and double-blind follow-up study is needed to investigate these initial results in a further evolved replicable setting.

A study of external machine control pathways based on brain-computer interfaces

Abstract. This research analyses three fundamental paradigms in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems: motor imagery (MI), sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs), and P300-based paradigms, focusing on their methodology and applications. Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) entails mentally practicing motor activities while adjusting electroencephalography (EEG) patterns and utilising multimodal stimulation to enhance the accuracy of classification. SMR-BCI employs precise EEG band oscillations to operate prosthetics and virtual environments. Sensory threshold neuromuscular electrical stimulation is used to improve performance. The P300 paradigm utilizes event-related potentials to control devices, and includes advancements such as the omitted elicited paradigm to enhance efficiency. In addition, the study examines control strategies for BCI systems, such as PID, MPC, and shared control approaches. By utilizing MATLAB as a tool, one may ascertain the distinction between different control strategies, highlighting their respective contributions to improving system responsiveness and stability.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Dysphagia Treatment: Adoption, Perceived Barriers, and Clinical Practices.

This study aims to learn about the global adoption of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in managing dysphagia, identify the barriers to its adoption, and describe the existing clinical practices. A total of 171 professionals from various international backgrounds initiated a specially developed online survey, and 122 responses were included in the final analysis. The survey consisted of 44 items related to NMES usage, perceived adoption barriers of NMES in dysphagia management, and clinical practices. The data were subjected to descriptive and correlational statistical analysis. NMES is adopted by 50% of the participants' workplaces when considering responses globally and 42.7% in the United States. Most respondents reported both high self-assessed knowledge level and high interest in learning about NMES. Among the 21 posed barriers to NMES adoption, 19 were agreed upon by over 50% of participants, with the most reported being insufficient academic coverage, lack of expert endorsement, and heterogeneity in stimulation parameters. There was considerable diversity in the clinical application of NMES, particularly regarding the duration, frequency, and total number of sessions typically completed when using NMES. NMES is adopted by half of the facilities and utilized by one third of dysphagia practitioners among the international respondents to this survey. The high interest expressed in NMES parallels the increasing volume of related research. Nonetheless, the widespread recognition of barriers and the substantial variability in clinical application underscore the need for international efforts to establish standardized protocols or guidelines, ensuring its effective and consistent use in clinical settings.

Efficiency of chewing load deficiency correction in clinical dental practice

Weakening of the chewing act, typical for modern humans due to consumption of soft food, causes a deficit of chewing load and has a negative effect on the dental system. To combat hypodynamia of the masticatory apparatus with the aim of preventing destructive processes in its structures, a gnathotraining system was developed, including electrical stimulation of the masticatory muscles themselves in physiological parameters, which develops the effect of “imaginary chewing”, and gnathotraining using chewing gum. In addition, functional training of the masticatory apparatus using chewing exercises was proposed. Considering that chewing gum practically does not compensate for the deficit of chewing load observed in modern society, the staff of the Kazan State Medical University and the Kazan National Research Technological University developed the “Denta Fit” dental trainer and a dental training system. It has been established that dental and jaw training stimulates secretion of saliva, its mineralizing potential, functional resistance of tooth enamel, allows achieving a good level of oral hygiene, reduces the rate of increase in the intensity of dental caries, as well as the severity of muscular-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joints, enhances neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles and regional blood flow. In children with permanent bite, dental and jaw training maintains the hydrogen index (pH) of oral fluid at a neutral level and provides, in combination with a toothbrush, optimal hygienic dental care, contributes to the formation of a correct dental occlusion. Thus, the effects of increased neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles, as well as regional vascular tone, arising during dental and jaw training, indirectly indicate that the dental and jaw system receives adequate mechanical loads necessary for the normal functioning of all its links. The results of the conducted studies indicate the effectiveness and feasibility of using dental training to improve dental status, which serves as a new approach to the prevention and treatment of dental diseases.

Frequency-dependent effects of superimposed NMES on spinal excitability in upper and lower limb muscles

Superimposing neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on voluntary contractions has proven to be highly effective for improving muscle strength and performance. These improvements might involve specific adaptations occurring at cortical and spinal level. The effects of NMES on corticospinal activation seem to be frequency dependent and differ between upper and lower limb muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate acute responses in spinal excitability, as measured by H-reflex amplitude of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and soleus (SOL) muscles, after NMES superimposed on voluntary contractions (NMES + ISO) at two different pulse frequencies (40 and 80 Hz). Conditions involved fifteen intermittent contractions at submaximal level. Before and after each condition, H-reflexes were elicited in FCR and SOL muscles.H-reflex amplitudes increased in FCR and SOL following both NMES + ISO at 40 and 80 Hz. The potentiation of the H-reflex was greater following the 40 Hz condition compared to 80 Hz, although no differences between muscles emerged.These findings indicated that superimposing NMES has an excitatory effect on spinal motoneurons in both upper and lower limb muscles with an overall greater response after low frequency NMES. Such facilitation could be associated to enhanced somatosensory stimuli conjunctly with higher supraspinal downward commands.

Effect of prior neuromuscular electrical stimulation of vastus lateralis on the fatigue induced by a sustained voluntary knee extension in men

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vastus lateralis (VL) selective fatigue induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on knee extensor electromyographic (EMG) activity during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction. MethodsThirteen healthy men (28 ± 5 years) completed two experimental sessions in which either the VL was pre-fatigued for 17 min (NMES session) or no intervention was performed (control session, CTRL). Subsequently, participants were asked to sustain an isometric knee extension at 20 % of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque until task failure. ResultsVL M−wave amplitude was reduced (−34 ± 26 %, P = 0.008) following the NMES intervention, while MVC torque was reduced by 26 ± 10 %. The time to task failure was 23 ± 10 % shorter (P = 0.002) in NMES (186 ± 75 s) than in CTRL (251 ± 128 s). EMG activity measured during the sustained contraction was higher for vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles in NMES compared to CTRL (P < 0.001), but was comparable for VL (P > 0.05). The extent and origin of neuromuscular fatigue at task failure measured through MVCs combined with electrically-evoked contractions did not differ between NMES and CTRL. ConclusionCompensatory activity from synergist muscles occurred in response to a pre-fatigue intervention, which reduced the time to task failure of a sustained submaximal contraction but did not affect the extent and origin of neuromuscular fatigue.

The effect of abdominal functional electrical stimulation on blood pressure in people with high level spinal cord injury.

Single centre training study. To investigate, in a group of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), the effect of transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation of the abdominal muscles (abdominal FES) during cough training on blood pressure (BP), and how it is affected by injury characteristics and alters over time. Laboratory and community. Sixteen participants with SCI (C4-T5) underwent 25 of abdominal FES cough training (5 sets of 10 stimulated coughs) over 6 weeks as part of a previously published study on the effect of abdominal FES training on cough. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and calculated mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at the completion of each set. Abdominal FES coughing resulted in an average ~30% acute increase in BP from initial resting BP across all sessions in almost all participants (p < 0.001). However, the increase in BP during abdominal FES coughs from rest reduced over the 25 sessions of training by ~35% for SBP, MAP and DBP (p = 0.024, p = 0.013 and p = 0.042, respectively). There was no meaningful change in resting BP over time (p = 0.935, p = 0.705 and p = 0.988, respectively). Overall, increases in BP during abdominal FES coughs were greatest for those with chronic injuries and cervical injuries. Transcutaneous abdominal FES during cough training acutely increases BP. However, the magnitude of the increase is reduced after 25 sessions of training. Abdominal FES may offer a solution to combat orthostatic hypotension, but its effectiveness may diminish over time.

OPTIMIZING THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADULTS BY USING EMS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY IN LEISURE TIME MOTOR ACTIVITIES

EMS Fitness is an electrical muscle stimulation, a full-body training method that offers the combination of strength training and cardio training through a machine that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction. The aim of the study was to follow the effects of electrostimulation training on body composition, weight loss and muscle strength increase. Ten people, women and men, aged between 25 and 50, were studied. We want to demonstrate the hypothesis that the use of the EMS Fitness technique over a period of 90 days will lead to a decrease in body weight, optimisation of body mass index and increase in muscle strength. Participants in the exercise group performed 12 weeks of high-intensity training using specific EMS equipment in an Xbody. The objective of the experiment was to identify whether the use of EMS technology contributed to changes in body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat and visceral fat. All exercise sessions were constantly supervised; in addition, exercise intensity, volume and frequency were recorded in training logs. A body composition scale was used for testing, which provides accurate body analysis using BIA technology. The training scheme was used for 12 weeks, changing the dosage and intensity for each subject, with the first signs of weight loss appearing after the first week. Methods used in the research: experimental method, graph-tabel method, observation method, bibliographic study method. Our results support the hypothesis, as the use of the EMS Fitness technique over a period of 90 days led to decreased body mass, optimized body mass index and increased muscle strength. In conclusion, I believe that people in Romania should have a wider openness in practicing physical exercise in their free time in order to develop a healthy generation and decrease the possibility of reaching the stage of obesity and stopping diseases, and a good help in achieving this goal is presented by training using EMS Fitness technology.