Effects of electromyostimulation training and volleyball practice on jumping ability.
01 Aug 2003-Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (J Strength Cond Res)-Vol. 17, Iss: 3, pp 573-579
TL;DR: When the aim of EMS resistance training is to enhance vertical jump ability, sport-specific workouts following EMS would enable the central nervous system to optimize the control to neuromuscular properties.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a 4-week electromyostimulation (EMS) training program on the vertical jump performance of 12 volleyball players. EMS sessions were incorporated into volleyball sessions 3 times weekly. EMS consisted of 20-22 concomitant stimulations of the knee extensor and plantar flexor muscles and lasted approximately 12 minutes. No significant changes were observed after EMS training for squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ) performance, while the mean height and the mean power maintained during 15 seconds of consecutive CMJs significantly increased by approximately 4% (p < 0.05). Ten days after the end of EMS training, the jumping height significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared with baseline also for single jumps (SJ +6.5%, CMJ +5.4%). When the aim of EMS resistance training is to enhance vertical jump ability, sport-specific workouts following EMS would enable the central nervous system to optimize the control to neuromuscular properties.
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TL;DR: The main aim of this review is to discuss some evidence-based physiological and methodological considerations for optimal use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in healthy and impaired skeletal muscles.
Abstract: The main aim of this review is to discuss some evidence-based physiological and methodological considerations for optimal use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in healthy and impaired skeletal muscles. After a quick overview of the main applications, interests and limits of NMES use, the first section concentrates on two crucial aspects of NMES physiology: the differences in motor unit recruitment pattern between NMES and voluntary contractions, and the involvement of the nervous system during peripheral NMES. The second section of the article focuses on the most common NMES parameters, which entail the characteristics of both the electrical current (the input) and the evoked contraction (the output).
496 citations
Cites background from "Effects of electromyostimulation tr..."
...In terms of training effectiveness, whether NMES is performed alone or superimposed with voluntary contraction does not seem to have an influence on the training-induced strength gains (Bax et al. 2005; Currier and Mann 1983; Lieber 1986; Malatesta et al. 2003)....
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...of muscle strength and power (Babault et al. 2007; Delitto et al. 1989; Malatesta et al. 2003), would benefit from the use of NMES exercise—even at low intensity—to (re)train at least some of the fast fibers that otherwise can only be activated using high-force voluntary efforts....
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...…2006; Stevens et al. 2004), and also athletes requiring high levels of muscle strength and power (Babault et al. 2007; Delitto et al. 1989; Malatesta et al. 2003), would benefit from the use of NMES exercise—even at low intensity—to (re)train at least some of the fast fibers that…...
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...to have an influence on the training-induced strength gains (Bax et al. 2005; Currier and Mann 1983; Lieber 1986; Malatesta et al. 2003)....
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TL;DR: PT provides a statistically significant and practically relevant improvement in vertical jump height with the mean effect ranging from 4.7% (SJ and DJ), over 7.5% (CMJA) to 8.7%, which justifies the application of PT for the purpose of development of vertical jump performance in healthy individuals.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the precise effect of plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump height in healthy individuals. Meta-analyses of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effect of PT on four typical vertical jump height tests were carried out: squat jump (SJ); countermovement jump (CMJ); countermovement jump with the arm swing (CMJA); and drop jump (DJ). Studies were identified by computerised and manual searches of the literature. Data on changes in jump height for the plyometric and control groups were extracted and statistically pooled in a meta-analysis, separately for each type of jump. A total of 26 studies yielding 13 data points for SJ, 19 data points for CMJ, 14 data points for CMJA and 7 data points for DJ met the initial inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of the effect of PT on vertical jump height was 4.7% (95% CI 1.8 to 7.6%), 8.7% (95% CI 7.0 to 10.4%), 7.5% (95% CI 4.2 to 10.8%) and 4.7% (95% CI 0.8 to 8.6%) for the SJ, CMJ, CMJA and DJ, respectively. When expressed in standardised units (ie, effect sizes), the effect of PT on vertical jump height was 0.44 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.72), 0.88 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.11), 0.74 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.02) and 0.62 (95% CI 0.18 to 1.05) for the SJ, CMJ, CMJA and DJ, respectively. PT provides a statistically significant and practically relevant improvement in vertical jump height with the mean effect ranging from 4.7% (SJ and DJ), over 7.5% (CMJA) to 8.7% (CMJ). These results justify the application of PT for the purpose of development of vertical jump performance in healthy individuals.
406 citations
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of 15 studies with a total of 31 effect sizes was carried out to analyse the role of various factors on the effects of PT on strength performance, finding the combination of different types of plyometrics with weight-training would be recommended, rather than utilizing only one form.
251 citations
TL;DR: The voluntary torque gains obtained after EMS training could be attributed to both muscular and neural adaptations of the knee extensor muscles.
Abstract: GONDIN, J., M., GUETTE, Y. BALLAY, and A. MARTIN. Electromyostimulation Training Effects on Neural Drive and Muscle Architecture. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 37, No. 8, pp. 1291–1299, 2005. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 4 and 8 wk of electromyostimulation (EMS) training on both muscular and neural adaptations of the knee extensor muscles. Methods: Twenty males were divided into the electrostimulated group (EG, N 12) and the control group (CG, N 8). The training program consisted of 32 sessions of isometric EMS over an 8-wk period. All subjects were tested at baseline (B) and retested after 4 (WK4) and 8 (WK8) wk of EMS training. The EMG activity and muscle activation obtained under maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) was used to assess neural adaptations. Torque and EMG responses obtained under electrically evoked contractions, muscle anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA), and vastus lateralis (VL) pennation angle, both measured by ultrasonography imaging, were examined to analyze muscular changes. Results: At WK8, knee extensor MVC significantly increased by 27% (P 0.001) and was accompanied by an increase in muscle activation (6%, P 0.01), quadriceps muscle ACSA (6%, P 0.001), and VL pennation angle (14%, P 0.001). A significant increase in normalized EMG activity of both VL and vastus medialis (VM) muscles (69 and 39%, respectively, P 0.001) but not of rectus femoris (RF) muscle was also found at WK8. The ACSA of the VL, VM, and vastus intermedius muscles significantly increased at WK8 (5–8%, P 0.001) but not at WK4, whereas no changes occurred in the RF muscle. Conclusion: We concluded that the voluntary torque gains obtained after EMS training could be attributed to both muscular and neural adaptations. Both changes selectively involved the monoarticular vastii muscles. Key Words: STRENGTH GAINS, EMG ACTIVITY, MUSCLE ACTIVATION, HYPERTROPHY, KNEE EXTENSORS
239 citations
Cites background from "Effects of electromyostimulation tr..."
...Several EMS studies have suggested that neural factors, rather than changes at the muscular level, largely account for the training-induced strength gains, particularly in the case of programs lasting 4 wk or less (16,18,25)....
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TL;DR: Examining the literature concerning the muscle adaptations induced by long-term application of the combined technique (CT) found that, in a therapeutic context, CT was particularly efficient to accelerate recovery of muscle contractility during a rehabilitation programme.
Abstract: Electromyostimulation (EMS) and voluntary muscle contraction (VC) constitute different modes of muscle activation and induce different acute physiological effects on the neuromuscular system. Long-term application of each mode of muscle activation can produce different muscle adaptations. It seems theoretically possible to completely or partially cumulate the muscle adaptations induced by each mode of muscle activation applied separately. This work consisted of examining the literature concerning the muscle adaptations induced by long-term application of the combined technique (CT) [i.e. EMS is combined with VC - non-simultaneously] compared with VC and/or EMS alone in healthy subjects and/or athletes and in post-operative knee-injured subjects. In general, CT induced greater muscular adaptations than VC whether in sports training or rehabilitation. This efficiency would be due to the fact that CT can facilitate cumulative effects of training completely or partially induced by VC and EMS practiced alone. CT also provides a greater improvement of the performance of complex dynamic movements than VC. However, EMS cannot improve coordination between different agonistic and antagonistic muscles and thus does not facilitate learning the specific coordination of complex movements. Hence, EMS should be combined with specific sport training to generate neuromuscular adaptations, but also allow the adjustment of motor control during a voluntary movement. Likewise, in a therapeutic context, CT was particularly efficient to accelerate recovery of muscle contractility during a rehabilitation programme. Strength loss and atrophy inherent in a traumatism and/or a surgical operation would be more efficiently compensated with CT than with VC. Furthermore, CT also restored more functional abilities than VC. Finally, in a rehabilitation context, EMS is complementary to voluntary exercise because in the early phase of rehabilitation it elicits a strength increase, which is necessary to perform voluntary training during the later rehabilitation sessions.
169 citations
References
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TL;DR: The new jumping test seems suitable to evaluate the power output of leg extensor muscles during natural motion because of its high reproducibility and simplicity, and is suitable for laboratory and field conditions.
Abstract: A simple test for the measurement of mechanical power during a vertical rebound jump series has been devised. The test consists of measuring the flight time with a digital timer (+/- 0.001 s) and counting the number of jumps performed during a certain period of time (e.g., 15-60 s). Formulae for calculation of mechanical power from the measured parameters were derived. The relationship between this mechanical power and a modification of the Wingate test (r = 0.87, n = 12 males) and 60 m dash (r = 0.84, n = 12 males) were very close. The mechanical power in a 60 s jumping test demonstrated higher values (20 W X kgBW-1) than the power in a modified (60 s) Wingate test (7 W X kgBW-1) and a Margaria test (14 W X kgBW-1). The estimated powers demonstrated different values because both bicycle riding and the Margaria test reflect primarily chemo-mechanical conversion during muscle contraction, whereas in the jumping test elastic energy is also utilized. Therefore the new jumping test seems suitable to evaluate the power output of leg extensor muscles during natural motion. Because of its high reproducibility (r = 0.95) and simplicity, the test is suitable for laboratory and field conditions.
1,361 citations
TL;DR: This program was designed to decrease landing forces by teaching neuromuscular control of the lower limb dur ing landing and to increase vertical jump height and may have a significant effect on knee stabilization and prevention of serious knee injury among female athletes.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of a jump-training program on landing mechanics and lower extremity strength in female athletes involved in jumping sports. These parameters were compared before and after training with those of male athletes. The program was designed to decrease landing forces by teaching neuromuscular control of the lower limb during landing and to increase vertical jump height. After training, peak landing forces from a volleyball block jump decreased 22%, and knee adduction and abduction moments (medially and laterally directed torques) decreased approximately 50%. Multiple regression analysis revealed that these moments were significant predictors of peak landing forces. Female athletes demonstrated lower landing forces than male athletes and lower adduction and abduction moments after training. External knee extension moments (hamstring muscle-dominant) of male athletes were threefold higher than those of female athletes. Hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle peak torque ratios increased 26% on the nondominant side and 13% on the dominant side, correcting side-to-side imbalances. Hamstring muscle power increased 44% with training on the dominant side and 21% on the nondominant. Peak torque ratios of male athletes were significantly greater than those of untrained female athletes, but similar to those of trained females. Mean vertical jump height increased approximately 10%. This training may have a significant effect on knee stabilization and prevention of serious knee injury among female athletes.
1,009 citations
Book•
01 Sep 2001
TL;DR: This chapter describes motion, the forces within the body, and how these forces interact with each other to form muscles and motor units.
Abstract: Chapter 1. Describing Motion Chapter 2. Movement Forces Chapter 3. Forces Within the Body Chapter 4. Running, Jumping, and Throwing Chapter 5. Excitable Membranes Chapter 6. Muscle and Motor Units Chapter 7. Voluntary Movement Chapter 8. Acute Adjustments Chapter 9. Chronic Adaptations.
668 citations
"Effects of electromyostimulation tr..." refers background in this paper
...Concerning waveform, the simplest stimulus protocol is to apply a train of rectangular pulses (10)....
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..., biphasic rectangular pulses) are known to alter the recruitment order of motor units (12) and may actually be advantageous for strength training (10)....
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...Fiber type can also be considered as a possible factor accounting for vertical jump increases because EMS preferentially activates the largest motor units (10) and the associated fasttwitch fibers contribute considerably to the SJ and CMJ performance (4)....
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TL;DR: It is suggested that the elastic energy is stored in the active muscles, and it is demonstrated that the muscles of the legs are activated in the downward jumps before contact with the platform is established.
Abstract: ASMUSSEN, E. and F. BONDE-PETERSEN. Storage of elastic energy in skeletal muscles in man. Acta physiol. scand. 1974. 91. 385-392 The question, if muscles can absorb and temporarily store mechanical energy in the form of elastic energy for later re-use, was studied by having subjects perform maximal verticaljumps on a registering force-platform. The jumps were performed 1) from a semi-squatting position, 2) after a natural counter-movement from a standing position, or 3) in continuation of jumps down from heights of 0.23, 0.40, or 0.69 m. The heights of the jumps were calculated from the registered flight times. The maximum energy level, Eneg, of the jumpers prior to the upward movement in the jump, was considered to be zero in condition 1. In condition 2 it was calculated from the force-time record ofthe force-platform; and in condition 3 it was calculated from the height of the downward jump and the weight of the subject. The maximum energy level after take-off, E,,,, was calculated from the height of the jump and the jumper’s weight. It was found that theheight of the jump and Epns increased with increasing amounts of Eneg, up to a certain level (jumping down from 0.40 m). The gains in Epos over t$at in condition 1, were expressed as a percentage of Eneg and found to be 22.9 % in condition 2, and 13.2, 10.5, and 3.3 % in the three situations ofcondition 3. It is suggested that the elastic energy is stored in the active muscles, and it is demonstrated that the muscles of the legs are activated in the downward jumps before contact with the platform is established. The elastic properties of muscles have been known and studied extensively for many years. The original concept of e.g. Levin and Wyman (1927), viz. that the energy liberated at contraction was immediately stored as elastic energy in the series elastic components for subsequent use in performing work, has been abandoned, not least after the discovery of the “Fenn effect” (Fenn and Marsh 1935). Nevertheless muscle elasticity has continued to arouse the interest of muscle physiologists, and its possible role as a buffer and temporary store of mechanical energy has anew been brought to the attention of work physiologists e.g. by the studies of Cavagna et al. (1968). One way of investigating this possible function of the elastic component in muscle is to compare the release of external mechanical energy without and with a previous stretching of the involved muscles. This was done by Marey and Demeny (1885) who compared the heights of vertical jumps performed without and with a preliminary counter-movement and found the height to be higher in the latter case. Recently Cavagna et al. (1971) repeated these experiments, using a force-platform
470 citations
"Effects of electromyostimulation tr..." refers methods in this paper
...In each case, the height of jump was calculated according to Asmussen and Bonde-Petersen (1)....
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TL;DR: It appears that when NMES and voluntary exercise are combined there is no significant difference in muscle strength after training when compared to either NMES or voluntary exercise alone, and there is also evidence that NMES can improve functional performance in a variety of strength tasks.
Abstract: In sports medicine, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used for muscle strengthening, maintenance of muscle mass and strength during prolonged periods of immobilisation, selective muscle retraining, and the control of oedema. A wide variety of stimulators, including the burst-modulated alternating current (‘Russian stimulator’), twin-spiked monophasic pulsed current and biphasic pulsed current stimulators, have been used to produce these effects.
325 citations