Effects of electrical muscle stimulatin training on the strength and endurance of the gluteus muscles

Abstract

This study sought out to test the effectiveness of using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on increasing strength and endurance of the gluteus muscles compared to volitional exercise. Seventy-two female volunteers between the ages of 20 and 60 years old were assigned to either an EMS (n=24), volitional exercise (n=24), or control group (n=24). The EMS group underwent stimulation 5 days per week for 30 minutes each day at the highest tolerable level for 6 weeks. The volitional exercise group completed 3 sets of 10 quadruped hip extensions on each leg, 5 times per week, for 6 weeks. Subjects were tested at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the study. Isometric strength of the gluteal muscles was tested using a Chatillon CSD 200 Dynamometer; endurance was measured using a hip bridge movement. The stimulation group had a 15% increase in gluteal strength compared to only a 9% increase of gluteal strength in the volitional exercise group. Gluteal endurance increased by 29% in the stimulation group compared to 26% in the volitional exercise group. The findings of this study show that there were no significant differences in gluteal strength or endurance between groups.