Neuromuscular physiological responses to electrical stimulation to accelerate muscle recovery after high-intensity training units for advanced wrestlers
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Abstract
We investigated the influence of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on recovery from high intensity wrestling training. The main studied variables were the lactate removal, the recovery of the maximal strength and the heart rate variability (HRV). The NMES experimental group had significantly faster lactate clearance and strength recovery for squat and bench press than did the control group. Moreover, HRV index was improved markedly by NMES, suggesting that the activity of the autonomic nervous system was accelerated in the recovery process. For the sake of brevity, metabolic waste such as lactate and muscle repair, as well as autonomic nervous recovery could potentially play a role in enhancing muscle recovery. The compelling evidence for the use of NMES for recovery in athletes presented in the study should however be further investigated toward sport- and population-specific applications. The results add to the current understanding of neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an effective intervention for the improvement of athletic performance and recovery. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of responses to NMES by individuals needs to be considered, and further work should aim to optimize parameters of stimulation.
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