Strength training via high frequency electrical stimulation.

Twelve males and twelve females received 18 sessions of high frequency (2500 Hz) electrical stimulation of either the biceps brachii or triceps brachii muscles. Each session consisted of ten 10-second contractions separated by 50 seconds of rest. Pre- and post-test measurements included arm flexion and extension strength, endurance, girths and fatfolds. The analysis of variance revealed that there were no significant differences for any of the pre versus post parameters. These findings suggest that electrical stimulation, by itself, is not an adequate training stimulus in normal healthy muscles. The data support the contention that volitional training is required to gain strength.