Researchers at UTEP have found that integrating neuromuscular electrical stimulation with traditional resistance training leads to greater increases in muscle mass and strength. This promising development could revolutionize fitness regimens and offer new hope for improving metabolic health.
For those aiming to build muscle and boost strength, new research led by The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) suggests an innovative and effective method might be adding electrical stimulation to resistance training.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) utilizes electrical currents to induce muscle contractions, similar to how the nervous system stimulates muscles. While NMES devices are accessible and user-friendly, their effectiveness in conjunction with traditional workouts had remained uncertain — until now.
A recent meta-analysis led by Sudip Bajpeyi, a professor of kineosiology at UTEP, has provided compelling evidence. Bajpeyi and his research team discovered that combining NMES with resistance exercises significantly enhances muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone.
“A meta-analysis provides more comprehensive evidence on studies that explore the same research question,” Bajpeyi said in a news release. “This approach allows us to move beyond the limitations of individual studies and make more informed, evidence-based conclusions.”
The study, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, synthesized results from over a dozen experiments, focusing on activities where participants performed resistance exercises — like bench presses and squats — while utilizing NMES devices.
In a typical setup, the participants would perform eight to 12 repetitions of a weight training exercise, rest and then repeat, all while the NMES devices activated their muscles.
The research showed that participants who used electrical stimulation during their workouts experienced greater muscle mass and strength gains over training periods ranging from two to 16 weeks, with longer durations yielding the most significant improvements.
“Under normal conditions, the brain activates muscles by sending signals through the nervous system. NMES mimics this process by delivering external electrical currents to the nerves, causing the muscles to contract, without input from the brain. Think of it as though your muscles are contracting involuntarily,” Bajpeyi added.
As the director of UTEP’s Metabolic Nutrition and Exercise Research (MiNER) lab, Bajpeyi’s work extends beyond fitness. His team is particularly interested in how NMES might also play a role in regulating blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Exercise is medicine, but not everyone is able or willing to engage in traditional exercise,” added Bajpeyi. “NMES has great potential for improving metabolic health by building muscle mass, which can help the body process blood glucose more effectively.”
The implications of these findings are particularly hopeful for those who find traditional exercise challenging due to various constraints. Bajpeyi’s ongoing investigations promise further insights into NMES’s potential health benefits, suggesting a future where fitness and health management are more accessible to a wider population.