THE EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (E-STIM) ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MASS OF THE QUADRICEP MUSCLE IN THE DOMINANT LEG OF COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

Authors

Josalin K. Whitten*, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445Follow
Justine Hardy*, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445Follow
Helene Peters, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445Follow

Abstract

Electrical stimulation (e-stim) is a standard treatment option for muscular injuries in athletes. Electrical stimulation delivers an electrical current directly to the location of an injury, allowing muscle contraction to improve muscular strength and thus may be compared to weightlifting. An athlete performing a back squat will contract leg muscles with each lift resulting in muscle fiber growth and strengthening over time. The e-stim requires less effort but causes the same level of muscular contraction, stimulating growth, which leads to an increase in strength and may contribute to the healing process of atrophied, impaired, or immobilized muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of e-stim using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit. Participants met once a week over six weeks for e-stim treatment. The following pre-test and post-test measurements were taken: height, weight, average skinfold thickness, quadricep muscle girth of the dominant leg, body fat %, and maximal strength (1RM squat). A paired t-test indicated that skinfold (t [22] = 2.7, p < 0.05) and 1RM squat (t [22] = 5.6, p < 0.05) were statistically significant. Supplemental findings indicated statistical significance between female skinfold pre-test and post-test (t [13] = 2.7, p < 0.05) and 1RM squat (t [13] = 5.2, p < 0.05) using a paired t-test but in males only for 1RM squat (t [6] = 2.8, p < 0.05). An independent t-test for male versus female post-measurements showed statistical significance for body weight (t [19] = 3.54, p < 0.05) and 1RM squat (t [19] = 3.8, p < 0.05). Results indicated that TENS unit usage exhibited a positive correlation between muscle strength and muscle mass of the quadricep in the dominant leg. Therefore, a TENS unit may be a suitable alternative to more invasive NMES units.

Recommended Citation

Whitten*, Josalin K.; Hardy*, Justine; and Peters, Helene (2024) "THE EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (E-STIM) ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MASS OF THE QUADRICEP MUSCLE IN THE DOMINANT LEG OF COLLEGIATE ATHLETES," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 82, No. 1, Article 24.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol82/iss1/24