Publication: KNEEHAB FATIGUE STUDY
Loading...
Date
2025-04-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type
Abstract
Abstract
Excessive muscle fatigue is a limiting factor when using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to strengthen muscles. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of the multipath Kneehab electrical stimulation garment as compared to a more typical unipath stimulator on fatigue in the quadriceps muscle. It has been claimed that the Kneehab reduces muscle fatigue, perhaps increasing its efficacy as a therapeutic device. This study used 7 participants as their own control. Participants’ strength was tested using a Biodex dynamometer to measure isometric knee extensor torque. The maximum volitional contraction (MVC) muscle torque on the right leg was measured and then the Kneehab was tested on this leg. The Kneehab intensity was increased to the maximum tolerated intensity for a 10 second duration contraction. After a 5 minute rest, a 15 contraction fatigue protocol was conducted. There was a 1:1 ratio of on/off times (10 sec on/10 sec off). A similar protocol was then repeated using the left leg and a unipath Grass Stimulator. The intensity was set to elicit a similar percentage of the MVC torque as was tested with the Kneehab on the right leg. Fatigue indexes were calculated using the peak torque from the first contraction and the peak torque produced by the 15th contraction. The average peak torque of the 15 contractions for each device was also measured. We did not observe any significant differences. There were minimal differences between the Kneehab and Grass stimulators for average peak torque (p = .30) and the fatigue indexes (p = .64). There were no significant findings to suggest the Kneehab produces less muscle fatigue as compared to a traditional unipolar NMES device. However, because we only had 7 participants, we may have been underpowered to detect a difference.