A Comparison of Multipath and Conventional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of a novel multipath neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) method on NMES outcomes related to fatigue and discomfort with conventional NMES. Methods: Outcomes related to fatigue and discomfort were measured while participants performed 18 NMES-induced contractions under two conditions. Results: The only difference observed was a significantly greater total torque-time integral under the conventional NMES condition. Percent declines in NMES-induced torque and the torque-time integral were significantly greater over time, whereas self-reported discomfort levels significantly decreased over time. Conclusions: The multipath NMES performed similarly to conventional NMES, but it did not appear to positively affect outcomes related to fatigue or discomfort in a clinically meaningful manner.