Cardiorespiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to electrical stimulation of upper-body muscles while performing arm cycling

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

Zinner, C., Matzka, M., Krumscheid, S., Holmberg, H., Sperlich, B. (2021). Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Perceived Responses to Electrical Stimulation of Upper‐Body Muscles While Performing Arm Cycling. Journal of Human Kinetics, 77, 117-123. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2021-0016

Zinner, C., Matzka, M., Krumscheid, S., Holmberg, H., and Sperlich, B. (2021). Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Perceived Responses to Electrical Stimulation of Upper‐Body Muscles While Performing Arm Cycling. Journal of Human Kinetics, 77, pp.117-123. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2021-0016

Zinner, Christoph et al. “Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Perceived Responses to Electrical Stimulation of Upper‐Body Muscles While Performing Arm Cycling.” Journal of Human Kinetics, vol. 77, 2021, pp. 117-123. doi:10.2478/hukin-2021-0016.

Zinner C, Matzka M, Krumscheid S, Holmberg H, Sperlich B. Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Perceived Responses to Electrical Stimulation of Upper‐Body Muscles While Performing Arm Cycling. Journal of Human Kinetics. 2021;77:117-123. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2021-0016