| Author/Editor | Bajuk, Slavica; Klopčič-Spevak, Milica | |
| Title | Vpliv električne stimulacije na moč zdrave mišice quadriceps femoris | |
| Translated title | The effects of electrical stimulation on normal quadriceps femoris muscle strength | |
| Type | članek | |
| Source | Fizioterapija | |
| Vol. and No. | Letnik 11, št. Suppl 1 | |
| Publication year | 2003 | |
| Volume | str. 87-98 | |
| Language | slo | |
| Abstract | Introduction: Voluntary muscle contraction is the most effective way to increase muscle strength and endurance. In spite of this fact the use of electrical stimulation in physiotherapy and sports medicine for improving muscle strength and endurance is growing. Objective: To assess the effect of electrical stimulation on healthy, innervated muscle quadriceps femoris. Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in this study, all physiotherapists from the Institute of Rehabilitation, Republic of Slovenia, ages 23 to 55. The quadriceps femoris muscle contraction characteristics for both legs were tested using the isokinetic BIODEX System 2, measuring concentric contraction at 3 angular velocities (30°/s, 60°/s, 120°/s). Electrical stimulation was applied to the quadriceps femoris of each participant which had the lower peak torque in the initial test. Peak torque, coefficient of variation of peak torque, and average power of the stimulated and unstimulated contralateral muscle of each participant were compared. Coefficients were calculated for peak torque and average power (stimulated value divided by unstimulated value) for each participant and the differences of the coefficients before and after electrical stimulation were analysed. Results: After 10 days of electrical stimulation there was a statistically significant increase in peak torque at velocities 30°/s and 60°/s as well as for average power at 30°/s for the quadriceps femoris. Thigh circumference 10 cm above the patella was unchanged. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained it is possible to conclude that the prescribed electrical stimulation may be used for the treatment of innervated muscle quadriceps femoris especially for initial rehabilitation when it is not possible to use active exercises, for patients with joint pains, for elderly patients, and for athletes in conjunction with active exercise. | |
| Descriptors | MUSCLE CONTRACTION ELECTRIC STIMULATION RANGE OF MOTION, ARTICULAR |