Tom Taylor1, Daniel J West2, Glyn Howatson2, Chris Jones3, Richard M Bracken3, Thomas D Love3, Christian J Cook4, Eamon Swift5, Julien S Baker6, Liam P Kilduff7. 1. Applied Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK; The Head of Sports Science at West Ham United Football Club, UK. 2. Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, UK. 3. Applied Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK. 4. School of Sport, Health and Exercise, Bangor University, UK. 5. The Head of Sports Science at West Ham United Football Club, UK. 6. Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, School of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the West of Scotland, UK. 7. Applied Science, College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK. Electronic address: L.kilduff@swansea.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: During congested fixture periods in team sports, limited recovery time and increased travel hinder the implementation of many recovery strategies; thus alternative methods are required. We examined the impact of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device on 24-h recovery from an intensive training session in professional players. DESIGN:Twenty-eight professional rugby and football academy players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study, on 2 occasions, separated by 7 days. METHODS: After baseline perceived soreness, blood (lactate and creatine kinase) and saliva (testosterone and cortisol) samples were collected, players completed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jumps (jump height). Players then completed 60 m × 50 m maximal sprints, with 5 min recovery between efforts. After completing the sprint session, players wore a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device or remained in normal attire (CON) for 8 h. All measures were repeated immediately, 2 and 24-h post-sprint. RESULTS:Player jump height was reduced from baseline at all time points under both conditions; however, at 24-h neuromuscular electrical stimulation was significantly more recovered (mean±SD; neuromuscular electrical stimulation -3.2±3.2 vs. CON -7.2±3.7%; P<0.001). Creatine kinase concentrations increased at all time points under both conditions, but at 24-h was lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P<0.001). At 24-h, perceived soreness was significantly lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation, when compared to CON (P=0.02). There was no effect of condition on blood lactate, or saliva testosterone and cortisol responses (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves recovery from intensive training in professional team sports players. This strategy offers an easily applied recovery strategy which may have particular application during sleep and travel.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: During congested fixture periods in team sports, limited recovery time and increased travel hinder the implementation of many recovery strategies; thus alternative methods are required. We examined the impact of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device on 24-h recovery from an intensive training session in professional players. DESIGN: Twenty-eight professional rugby and football academy players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study, on 2 occasions, separated by 7 days. METHODS: After baseline perceived soreness, blood (lactate and creatine kinase) and saliva (testosterone and cortisol) samples were collected, players completed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jumps (jump height). Players then completed 60 m × 50 m maximal sprints, with 5 min recovery between efforts. After completing the sprint session, players wore a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device or remained in normal attire (CON) for 8 h. All measures were repeated immediately, 2 and 24-h post-sprint. RESULTS: Player jump height was reduced from baseline at all time points under both conditions; however, at 24-h neuromuscular electrical stimulation was significantly more recovered (mean±SD; neuromuscular electrical stimulation -3.2±3.2 vs. CON -7.2±3.7%; P<0.001). Creatine kinase concentrations increased at all time points under both conditions, but at 24-h was lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P<0.001). At 24-h, perceived soreness was significantly lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation, when compared to CON (P=0.02). There was no effect of condition on blood lactate, or saliva testosterone and cortisol responses (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves recovery from intensive training in professional team sports players. This strategy offers an easily applied recovery strategy which may have particular application during sleep and travel.
Authors: Álvaro González Fernández; Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí; Lorena Franco-Martinez; Jose Joaquín Ceron; Gonzalo Mariscal; Carlos Barrios Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-05 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Roberto Barcala-Furelos; Alicia González-Represas; Ezequiel Rey; Alicia Martínez-Rodríguez; Anton Kalén; Olga Marques; Luís Rama Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-08-12 Impact factor: 3.390