The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on function outcome measures following muscle fatigue: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: The ability to recover after bouts of fatigue caused by high-intensity physical activity is one of the greatest challenges in sports medicine and exercise science. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been used with the theory that it decreases blood metabolites more quickly and therefore decreases recovery time. This systematic review analyzed primary research articles that investigated functional outcomes related to the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a recovery modality. Methods: SportsDiscus, US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Current Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were used to search “neuromuscular electrical stimulation” OR “nmes” OR “electric* stimulation” OR “electrostimulation” AND “recovery” OR “muscle recovery” AND “athlete*.” Articles had to contain results from functional tests following fatigue and needed to compare these results between a neuromuscular electrical stimulation group and a passive recovery or control group. Results: One-hundred sixty-two subjects participated in the 11 studies evaluated in the review. Functional outcome measures were obtained in various methods throughout the study. There were inconsistent findings between the studies, with a tendency for the intervention to be ineffective. Conclusions: Inconsistencies between the studies likely attributed to the unclear findings of the review. Several protocols were used throughout the various studies causing multiple variables that could not be isolated. Electrode placement, stimulation frequency and intensity, and functional testing protocols were the major difference between studies that led to the inconsistent findings. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation is often used as a recovery modality, research findings are mixed regarding its effectiveness as an intervention for recovery. Level of Evidence: Level I.

Passive Recovery Strategies after Exercise: A Narrative Literature Review of the Current Evidence

“…Day and Newman (73) published a systematic review of 11 articles covering 162 participants regarding the effects of NMES on functional outcome measures following muscle fatigue. Four studies found no improvement in measured athlete power output after NMES, whereas three studies did.…”

Exercise Fatigue Injury Under Sport Resistance

“…We analyzed the results of the adjustment relationship between people of different ages for the relief of sports fatigue underactive muscle contraction. 10 The response curve of a single active muscle contraction is shown in Figure 3.…”

Fundamentals or Icing on Top of the Cake? A Narrative Review of Recovery Strategies and Devices for Athletes

“…In a 2014 review of 13 EMS studies, authors reported that only 1 study showed a performance recovery benefit and 4 showed a benefit to perceived muscle pain or exertion [42], with the remainder of studies showing no benefit of EMS compared to active or passive recovery methods. Similarly, a 2020 review of 11 studies reported inconsistent findings for both strength and endurance outcomes, though it is difficult to draw conclusions as there is a wide variety of devices implemented, protocols, electrode placement sites, and stimulation frequency/intensities [43]. These factors, and the potential for discomfort or pain with the use of these devices (depending on stimulation intensity), should be considered prior to their use.…”