The influence of low-intensity resistance training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on autonomic activity in healthy adults: A randomized controlled cross-over trial.
Toshiki Kutsuna, Hitoshi Sugawara, Hideaki Kurita and 2 others
PMID 34054253WHAT IT FOUND
Adding electrical stimulation to low-intensity resistance training did not cause worse heart rate or blood pressure changes than training alone in healthy young men.
Both methods raised sympathetic activity and blood pressure slightly during exercise, but neither was safer than the other in this small group.
Key findings
01There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate between the resistance training alone and the resistance training plus electrical stimulation sessions.
02There were no significant differences in autonomic activity measures (LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) between the two sessions throughout the single session.
03Both sessions resulted in significant increases in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic activity (LF and LF/HF) during exercise compared to pre-exercise levels.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 20 healthy male college students, so the results cannot be generalized to older adults, females, or patients with cardiovascular or other chronic diseases. Autonomic activity was assessed indirectly via heart rate variability, which may have limited reliability compared to direct measures. The study was open-label, meaning participants knew which condition they were receiving, which could influence perceived exertion or pain. The sample size was small and powered to detect a specific difference in LF/HF ratio, potentially limiting the ability to detect smaller clinical differences in other outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest, and the study received no financial or material support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this proves low-intensity resistance training with electrical stimulation is safe for older adults or patients with heart conditions. The study was conducted on young, healthy males, and the authors explicitly state that further research is needed to prove safety for patients with different diseases.