The effects of electromyostimulation training and basketball practice on muscle strength and jumping ability

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a 4-week electrom yostimulation training program on the strength of the knee extensors and th e vertical jump performance of 10 basketball players. Electromyostimulation sessions were carried out 3 times weekly; each session consisted of 48 con tractions. Testing was carried out before and after the electromyostimulati on training program (week 4) and once more after 4 weeks of normal basketba ll training (week 8). At week 4, isokinetic strength increased significantl y (p < 0.05) at eccentric and high concentric velocities (between 180 and 3 60 degrees x s(-1)); this was not the case for low concentric velocities (6 0 and 120 degrees x s(-1)). Electromyostimulation training increased also i sometric strength at the two angles adjacent to the training angle (p < 0.0 1). Squat jump increased significantly by 14% at week 4 (p < 0.01), whereas counter movement jump showed no change. At week 8, gains in isokinetic, is ometric strength and squat jump performance were maintained and the counter movement jump performance increased significantly by 17% (p < 0.01). Elect romyostimulation as part of a short strength-training program enhanced knee extensor strength and squat jump performance of basketball players.