Effectiveness of Combining Microcurrent with Resistance Training in Trained Males.
Naclerio, F., Seijo, M., Karsten, B., Brooker, G., Carbone, L., Thirkell, J. and Larumbe-Zabala, E., 2019.
Microcurrent has been used to promote tissue healing after injury and to hasten muscle remodelling following exercise. To compare the effects of resistance training in combination with either, a microcurrent or sham treatment, changes in performance and perceived delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined.
Eighteen males completed an 8-week resistance training program involving 3 workouts per week (24 total sessions) wearing a microcurrent or a sham device for 3 hours post-workout.
Measurements were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Only microcurrent treatment significantly decreased DOMS at 12 hours (37.0%), 24 hours (65.9%), and 48 v (83.3%) after performing an exercise-induced muscle soreness protocol (heavy intense workout).
There was no significant difference in DOMS perceived by trial participants using a sham device. Although there were no significant benefits on body composition and performance, it was determined that a 3-hour daily use of microcurrent maximised muscular architectural changes and attenuated DOMS.
For further details on study design and full results on the effect of microcurrent on body composition and muscular architecture, click here.
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(11), pp.2641-2653.
Effects of Adding Post-Workout Microcurrent in Male Cross Country Athletes.
Naclerio, F., Moreno-Perez, D., Seijo, M., Karsten, B., Larrosa, M., García-Merino, J.Á., Thirkell, J. and Larumbe-Zabala, E., 2020.
The application of microcurrent treatments after exercise have shown to optimise exercise-induced adaptations in athletes. This study compared the effects of endurance training in combination with either, a microcurrent or sham treatment, on endurance performance. Additionally, changes in body composition, post-exercise blood lactate and perceived delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined.
Eighteen males completed an 8-week endurance training programme involving 5 to 6 workouts per week wearing a microcurrent or a sham device for 3 hours post-exercise. Measurements were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Only microcurrent treatment significantly decreased DOMS at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after the completion of the exercise-induced muscle soreness protocol. Although no significant differences in performance outcomes were observed after 8 weeks of endurance training, compared to a sham group, a 3-hour daily application of microcurrent promoted more desirable changes in body composition. Moreover, the regular application of a post-workout microcurrent treatment attenuated the perception of DOMS over 72 v post-exercise, in endurance-trained men.
For further details on study design and full results on the effects of microcurrent on performance outcomes, body compositional changes and blood lactate, click here.
European Journal of Sport Science, pp.1-23.
