Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation as an Alternative to Dynamic Warm-Up for Anaerobic Power Activities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare short duration Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES) to traditional dynamic warm-up to prepare muscles for activity. Thirty college age participants (20 male, 10 female) completed both a general warm-up, followed by either an NMES warm-up or a dynamic warm-up. The participants were then asked to perform three trials each of standing long jump, 20m sprint, and 18.3m (20-yard) shuttle run, in random order. Each participant returned one week later and were tested using the warm-up procedure that they had not performed the week before (repeated measures design). Intra-class correlation coefficients for the three dependent measures for each intervention ranged from 0.87 to 0.99, indicating overall excellent reliability within each measure. There was no difference between the warm-up procedures for the SLJ, 20m sprint, or 20-yard shuttle run tests. This inter-individual variation suggests that short duration NMES could be beneficial for some athletes, while some may find dynamic warm-up more effective. Based on the outcome of this study, athletes and coaches should experiment and determine what is best for the individual. Results from the research could help to determine NMES’s use in strength and conditioning and as a means of performance enhancement.