Effect of electrical muscle stimulation with dermal suction on deep fascia gliding

Abstract

Purpose : This study investigated the effect of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) associated with dermal suction for improving deep fascia gliding.

Methods : The left and right vastus lateralis of 12 young men (24 legs in total) were randomly assigned to either percutaneous aspiration or EMS. Deep fascia gliding was measured before each intervention using an ultrasound imaging system. In the percutaneous aspiration condition, gliding was measured after 120 s of intervention, followed by another 60 s of intervention, and then gliding was measured again (a total intervention duration of 180 s). In the EMS condition, gliding was measured after 15 s of intervention, followed by another 15 s of intervention, and then the gliding was measured again (a total intervention duration of 30 s).

Results : A significant change in the running distance of the deep fascia was observed under both conditions (p＜0.05). No significant difference was found in the changes in deep fascia gliding distance before and after intervention in both conditions. Furthermore, no significant difference in the change in deep fascia gliding distance was noted between the two conditions, although the intervention times were different.

Conclusion : Percutaneous and EMS conditions associated with percutaneous suction are useful for improving deep fascia gliding. EMS accompanied by percutaneous suction may possibly improve deep fascia gliding in 1/6－1/8 of the time as compared with percutaneous suction alone.