Four-week of local electromyostimulaiton training on fingerboard increases the isokinetic wrist strength and endurance

Abstract

Purpose: Electromyostimulaiton (EMS) has been used for both physical therapy and strength improvements for a few decades. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a four-week local-EMS training performed on a fingerboard (FT) in wrist strength and endurance. Material: Sixteen physically active, non-climber students were divided into EMS+FT and FT groups. Each group performed the same training program about 25 min a day, 3 days a week for four weeks. The EMS+FT implementation was performed with a signal width of 260 ms and a frequency of 60 Hz. Before and after training, isokinetic measurements were collected. The parameters used in the research during flexion and extension at 60 and 180 degrees/sec were; PeakTorque (PT), PeakTorque/Body Weight (PT/BW), and Average Power (AP). Results: The EMS+FT group showed statistically significant alterations in all of the parameters (p<0.01 and p<0.05) except in the left wrist AP during flexion and extension at 180 degrees/sec. However, the FT group showed significant changes in only wright wrist AP during extension at 60 degrees/sec, and wright and left wrist AP during flexion at 180 degrees/sec, and left wrist PT during extension at 180 degrees/sec. Conclusions: Accordingly, it could be inferred that FT done by using EMS for four weeks improve the isokinetic wrist strength and endurance significantly. Muscular fitness has an essential role in climbing performance, and this study points that EMS trainings on fingerboard could be used to enhance the climbing performance.