Effects on Oxygen Consumption of Interferential Current Stimulation of the Abdominal Muscles during Treadmill Walking

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the metabolic differences between normal walking and walking with interferential current stimulation. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-five healthy adults (mean age: 21.1 ± 0.7 years; 22 males and 13 females) participated in the study. Oxygen consumption during normal walking on a treadmill at a speed of 4 km/h was compared to walking with 10 mA and 20 mA interferential current stimulation applied to the abdomen. [Results] Oxygen consumption during walking with 20 mA interferential current stimulation was significantly higher than during the other conditions. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that 20 mA interferential current stimulation applied to the abdominal trunk muscles during walking significantly increases oxygen consumption.