Acute Effect of Electromyostimulation Superimposed on Running on Maximal Velocity, Metabolism, and Perceived Exertion

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Electromyostimulation is the activation of muscles via electrodes placed on the skin, often by wearing a special suit. The application can be passive or active to intensify the training. There are some studies on cycling with superimposed electromyostimulation. However, little is known about its use in running. Therefore, a group of young healthy men performed three treadmill tests in which speed was gradually increased until exhaustion. In one session they ran without electromyostimulation and in two other sessions with superimposed electromyostimulation. Metabolic response, exertion, and maximal performance were examined. Running with electromyostimulation resulted in a lower maximum running speed, was more strenuous, and, in some cases, more metabolically demanding than running without electromyostimulation. Superimposed electromyostimulation is feasible and intensifies running. Normal runners and those with extreme training volumes could benefit from its use. ABSTRACT: Electromyostimulation has been shown to intensify exercise when superimposed on cycling. However, little is known about the application during running, which might help to prevent injuries linked to high running volumes, as intensification of running allows for a reduction in training volume. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of electromyostimulation superimposed on running. Men who were no younger than 18 and no older than 35 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria were previous experience with electromyostimulation training, the presence of a contraindication according to the manufacturer, or a contraindication to physical activity. A sample of 22 healthy males with an ordinary performance capability accomplished three similar cardiopulmonary treadmill tests until exhaustion in a crossover study design that included lactate measurements and interrogations of perceived exertion. The first test was conducted without electromyostimulation and was followed in a randomized order by the second and the third test condition with 30 or 85 Hz stimulation, respectively, of the lower body. Superimposed electromyostimulation significantly reduced the maximal achieved velocity (control 15.6 ± 1.1 vs. 30 Hz 15.1 ± 1.2, p = 0.002; vs. 85 Hz 14.9 ± 1.1 km/h, p < 0.001), increased the perceived exertion at 10, 12 and 14 km/h (85 Hz + 0.7, p = 0.036; +0.9, p = 0.007; +1.3, p < 0.001; 30 Hz + 0.7, p = 0.025; +1.0, p = 0.002; +1.2, p < 0.001), and induced a significantly higher oxygen uptake at 8 km/h (85 Hz + 1.1, p = 0.006; 30 Hz + 0.9 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1), p = 0.042), 10 km/h (30 Hz + 0.9 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1), p = 0.032), and 14 km/h (85 Hz + 1.0 mL·min(−1)·kg(−1), p = 0.011). Both electromyostimulation conditions significantly limited the maximal lactate level (30 Hz p = 0.046; 85 Hz p < 0.001) and 85 Hz also the recovery lactate level (p < 0.001). Superimposed electromyostimulation is feasible and intensifies running. Coaches and athletes could benefit from the increased training stimulus by reducing running velocity or volume, by combining endurance and strength training, and also by inducing better adaptations while maintaining the same velocity or volume. Therefore, electromyostimulation superimposed on running could be an interesting training tool for runners.