Effects of electrical stimulation on cardiorespiratory and muscular performance in young healthy women

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether electrical stimulation alters muscle force and endurance in both the stimulated and non-stimulate d knee extensor muscles, as well as aerobic power, during one- and two-leg cycling in young women. 19 female college students underwent a standard pro gram of quadriceps electrical stimulation at a frequency of 25-30 Hz (28-45 V), duration of 4 x 10 min, with 2 min rest intervals, 3-4 times per week, for 10 weeks. Maximal isometric quadriceps strength and endurance, and iso kinetic concentric torque were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Oxyge n uptake, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio and ventilation were measu red during submaximal and maximal one and two leg stationary bicycle exerci se. There were no significant differences between any of the variables meas ured before and after 10 weeks electrical stimulation. The results suggest that electrical stimulation as applied here does not alter muscle performan ce or maximal oxygen uptake in young healthy women. Med Sci Res 27:697-700 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.