Electrical Stimulation During Immobilization

The Effects of Daily Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Mass During Short-term One-legged Knee Immobilization in Healthy Young Men

In the present study, the effects of 5 days of lower limb immobilization with or without daily neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle mass and muscle fiber characteristics will be determined.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Aged from 18-35 years
• 18.5 < BMI < 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking
• Performing regular resistance training in the previous 6 months
• Hypertension (according to WHO criteria) [46] and/or cardiovascular disease
• Any back/leg/knee/shoulder complaints which may interfere with the use of crutches
• Use of any prescribed medication
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Any family history of thrombosis
• All co-morbidities interacting with mobility and muscle metabolism of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis, spasticity/rigidity, all neurological disorders and paralysis).
• Myocardial infarction within the last 3 years
• Use of anti-coagulants