Research article summary (published 29 Apr 2007):

Effects of electromyostimulation training on muscle strength and power of elite rugby players.

Full Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of a 12-week electromyostimulation (EMS) training program performed by elite rugby players. Twenty-five rugby players participated in the study, 15 in an electrostimulated group and the remaining 10 in a control group. EMS was conducted on the knee extensor, plantar flexor, and gluteus muscles. During the first 6 weeks, training sessions were carried out 3 times a week and during the last 6 weeks, once a week. Isokinetic torque of the knee extensors was determined at different eccentric and concentric angular velocities ranging from -120 to 360 degrees .s(-1). Scrummaging and full squat strength, vertical jump height and sprint-running times were also evaluated. After the first 6 weeks of EMS, only the squat strength was significantly improved (+8.3 +/- 6.5%; p < 0.01). After the 12th week, the -120 degrees .s(-1) maximal eccentric, 120 and 240 degrees .s(-1) maximal concentric torque (p < 0.05), squat strength (+15.0 +/- 8.0%; p < 0.001), squat jump (+10.0 +/- 9.5%; p < 0.01), and drop jump from a 40-cm height (+6.6 +/- 6.1%; p < 0.05) were significantly improved. No significant change was observed for the control group. A 12-week EMS training program demonstrated beneficial effects on muscle strength and power in elite rugby players on particular tests. However, rugby skills such as scrummaging and sprinting were not enhanced.

Author information

Author/s: Babault, Nicolas (N); Cometti, Gilles (G); Bernardin, Michel (M); Pousson, Michel (M); Chatard, Jean-Claude (JC);

Affiliation: Faculty of Sport Science, Marc Bloch University, Strasbourg, France. babault(-atsign-)u-bourgogne.fr

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association (J Strength Cond Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-May; vol 21 (issue 2) : pp 431-7

Dates: Created 2007/05/28; Completed 2007/07/31;

PMID: 17530954, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Physiological - physiology Adult Analysis of Variance Electric Stimulation - methods Football - physiology Humans

Male Muscle Strength - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Physical Education and Training - methods Task Performance and Analysis Torque

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