Role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an alternative exercise method

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, are escalating at an alarming rate in many countries. These diseases are associated with, at least in part, insufficient physical activity, and physical activity has beneficial effects on a variety of health outcomes such as decreased mortality and risk of these diseases. For these positive effects, moderate to vigorous physical activity has been recommended. However, there are many patients who cannot perform adequate exercise because of severe diseases, several complications and/or their exercise intolerance. This issue highlights a need for alternative therapies. There is growing body of literature that recognizes the positive effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical performance and metabolism in healthy adults and clinical setting. The present review introduces the effect of NMES on muscle strength and glucose metabolism as well as NMES-induced physiological responses including myokines related to preventing dementia and cancer.