The Effects of Combined Electromyostimulation and Dynamic Muscular Contractions on the Strength of College Basketball Players

Abstract

This study sought to determine the effects of transcutaneous electromyostimulation (EMS) combined with dynamic contractions employed during weight lifting exercise. Male weight-trained college athletes (N = 24) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups; weight training only (Wgt), EMS only (Stim), weight training + EMS (Wgt + Stim), or control. All groups were pre- and posttested to determine one-repetition maximum (1-RM). The Wgt and Wgt + Stim groups trained 3 times a week at 85% of 1-RM, 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps; Stim received EMS 3 times a week. The strength of all 4 groups was tested biweekly and adjustments were made so that Wgt and Wgt + Stim continued to train at 85% of 1-RM. Two-way ANOVA found no significant difference between groups when the study began. Results showed that the Wgt + Stim group differed significantly from the other 3 groups. The Wgt and Stim groups were equal but differed significantly from control. All 3 experimental protocols led to significant increases in strength, but combining EMS with dynamic contractions may be the most effective.