Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Muscular Adaptations in Exercise: A Narrative Review

Nowadays, sports science uses scientific methods and medical devices to assist people with any improvements in sports. Muscle adaptations have significantly benefited as a result of the use of these advanced devices. It has been shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) devices effectively improve muscle function. The use of NMES devices in exercise physiology shows that neuromuscular adaptation is a current research area in both athletes and non-athletes. This narrative review aims to address neuromuscular adaptations and describe neuromuscular changes based on research using NMES. Many researchers and sports trainers will benefit from the results of this article by better understanding neuromuscular adaptations. NMES training has been shown to be an effective way to improve muscle growth, maximum voluntary strength, neuronal drive, oxidative metabolism, and antioxidant defense systems. In addition, NMES is capable of regulating the homeostasis of muscle proteins and increasing oxidative enzyme activity. In animal models, it has also been shown to increase axonal outgrowth, fiber reinnervation, and motor axon regeneration. Various NMES methods may decrease age-related muscle atrophy and functional deterioration. The use of NMES, which is one of the most successful strategies for increasing athletic performance through neuromuscular adaptations, is one of the most promising areas of research.