Electrically stimulating antagonist muscles could improve strength in older men: A pilot study

Aim The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of the newly developed exercise method with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle strength and physical activities in healthy older men. Methodology Six subjects performed a 15min cycling exercise twice a week for 6 weeks. Electrical stimulation was applied to both the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. Before and after the 6-week training period the following parameters were measured: (i) maximal isokinetic torque of hip-flexors (HF) and hip-extensors (HE), knee-flexors (KF) and knee-extensors (KE), (ii) 10m maximal gait speed, (iii) chair-stand test-5 times, (iv) stair climbing  (10 stairs of 0.2m height at maximal speed), and (v) 6min walking. None of the subjects had any injuries during the study period.  Results Maximal isokinetic torques improved (KF: 51%; KE: 25%), as well as other physical parameters (10m gait speed: 22%; chair-stand test: 22%; stair climbing: 19%). Conclusion We conclude that electrically stimulating antagonist muscles during cycling training has the potential to become a safe, effective method of muscle exercise for healthy older men.