Electrical Muscle Stimulation Improves Strength and Anaerobic Power in Soccer Players

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of São Paulo has found that electrical muscle stimulation can significantly improve muscle strength and anaerobic power in soccer players. The study, published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, involved nineteen healthy male soccer players who were subjected to electrical muscle stimulation on their quadriceps muscles. The results showed that the stimulation, particularly at a frequency of 75 Hz, improved strength and anaerobic power, with the participants exhibiting a placebo effect.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved nineteen healthy male soccer players, aged 21.1 ± 1.6 years, with 10.1 ± 3.2 years of training experience.
  • Electrical muscle stimulation at a frequency of 75 Hz improved strength and anaerobic power in soccer players.
  • The stimulation had a placebo effect, with participants not knowing which current intensity was applied.
  • The study showed that electrical muscle stimulation can be a useful tool for improving muscle strength and anaerobic power in soccer players.
  • Future research should investigate how to utilize sport-specific abilities related to strength and anaerobic power in soccer players for longer periods at peak.

Statistics:

  • Nineteen healthy male soccer players aged 21.1 ± 1.6 years participated in the study.
  • The participants had 10.1 ± 3.2 years of training experience.
  • Electrical muscle stimulation at a frequency of 75 Hz showed significant improvement in strength and anaerobic power.
  • The study found that electrical muscle stimulation had a placebo effect on the participants.

Sources:

  • Acute Electrical Muscle Stimulation Effects On Strength and Anaerobic Power In Soccer Players. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Sao Paulo Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of Sports Medicine (Acute Electrical Muscle Stimulation Effects On Strength and Anaerobic Power In Soccer Players). Health & Medicine Week. May 16, 2025; p 6418.