Abstract
The response to treatment of high intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
to both quadriceps femoris muscles as an adjunct to ongoing weight training was evaluated
using a single subject experimental design. For an elite weight lifter weekly maximal
measurements of snatch (S), clean and jerk (CJ), and front squat (SQ) were obtained
over 4 months during which the subject weight trained daily for 3 h. The 1st month,
baseline data were collected. After baseline measurements, a 1-month period of high-intensity
NMES was added to the subject's weight training. NMES was then withdrawn for 1 month
and administered once more for 2 weeks. Three quadriceps femoris muscle biopsies were
taken, two during the initial baseline period and one just before the end of the first
stimulation period. The results showed a significant and clear relationship between
performance gains and NMES administration and withdrawal. Steep gains for S, CJ, and
SQ were seen after 2 weeks of stimulation, with front squat showing a 20-kg increase
within the 1st week of both stimulation periods. Muscle biopsy showed an increased
type I fiber area, decreased type Ha and lib fiber area, and an increase of type II
fibers after NMES. The results of this study support the use of high-dose NMES as
an adjunct to weight training in elite lifters.
Key words
Electrical stimulation - muscle fibers - weight lifter - strength
