2026
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Browsing 2026 by Author "Bryant, Alexander"
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Publication KNEEHAB MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND MUSCLE FATIGUE(2026-04-16) Bryant, Alexander; Meeker, Victoria; Russell, Lindsey; Scott, WayneExcessive muscle fatigue (MF) is a limiting factor when using neuromuscular electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles. Stimulation strategies minimizing MF may result in increased strength gains. The purpose of the study was to compare MF produced in the quadriceps muscle via a multipolar Kneehab electrical stimulation garment (MKESG) versus a monopolar stimulator. We hypothesized that MKESG would produce less MF than the monopolar stimulator. Fifteen participants were tested using a Biodex dynamometer to measure isometric knee extensor torque. Maximum volitional isometric contraction (MVIC) muscle torque of the right leg was measured. MKESG intensity was increased to the maximum tolerated intensity for a 10-second contraction. After 5-minutes rest, a 15-contraction fatigue protocol was conducted using a 10-second on/off ratio. Peak torque of each contraction was recorded. The protocol was then repeated using the left leg and a monopolar Grass Stimulator (MGS). Intensity was set to elicit a similar initial percentage of the MVIC torque as tolerated on the right. Fatigue indexes were calculated for both conditions by dividing final contraction peak torque by initial. Average peak torque was also recorded. Paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. We did not observe significant differences. The mean fatigue index for the MKESG was 0.44 ± 0.13 as compared to 0.43 ± 0.14 for the MGS (p = 0.34). Average peak torque for the MKESG was 31.17 ± 17.77 Nm versus 27.65 ± 16.05 Nm for the MGS (p = 0.07). Our results suggest that the MKESG stimulator does not reduce electrically elicited MF as compared to the MGS, clinicians wishing to do so should explore alternative strategies.