Naclerio, Fernando ORCID: 0000-0001-7405-4894, Seijo, Marcos ORCID: 0000-0003-1637-6670, Karsten, Bettina, Brooker, George, Carbone, Leandro, Thirkell, Jack and Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko (2019) Effectiveness of combining microcurrent with resistance training in trained males. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119 (11-12). pp. 2641-2653. ISSN 1439-6319 (Print), 1439-6327 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04243-1)

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Abstract

Microcurrent has been used to promote tissue healing after injury or to hasten muscle remodeling post exercise. Purpose: To compare the effects of resistance training in combination with either, microcurrent or sham treatment, on body composition and muscular architecture. Additionally, changes in performance and perceived delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined. Methods: Eighteen males (25.7±7.6 years) completed an 8-week resistance training program involving 3 workouts per week (24 total sessions) wearing a microcurrent (MIC, n=9) or a sham (SH, n=9) device for 3-h post-workout or in the morning during non-training days. Measurements were conducted at pre and post intervention. Results: Compared to baseline, both groups increased (p<0.05) muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (MIC +2.9±1.4 mm; SH +3.0±2.4 mm), triceps brachialis (MIC +4.3±2.8 mm; SH +2.7±2.6 mm), vastus medialis (MIC +1.5±1.5 mm; SH +0.9±0.8 mm) and vastus lateralis (MIC +6.8±8.0 mm; SH +3.2±1.8 mm). Although both groups increased (p<0.01) the pennation angle of vastus lateralis (MIC +2.90±0.95 degrees; SH +1.90±1.35 degrees, p<0.01), the change measured in MIC was higher (p=0.045) than that observed in SH. Furthermore, only MIC enlarged (p<0.01) the pennation angle of brachialis (MIC +1.93±1.51). Both groups improved (p<0.05) bench press strength and power but only MIC enhanced (p<0.01) vertical jump height. At post intervention, only MIC decreased (p<0.05) DOMS at 12-h, 24-h and 48-h after performing an exercise-induced muscle soreness protocol. Conclusion: A 3-h daily use of microcurrent maximized muscular architectural changes and attenuated DOMS with no added significant benefits on body composition and performance.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	strength, muscle thickness, DOMS, hypertrophy, non-invasive electrical microampere stimulus
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	09 Oct 2021 04:45
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/25538

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