Potential Negative Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: Does It Affect Static Balance and Proprioception?

Abstract

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used in clinics or homes for older adults to strengthen muscles and/or control pains by inducing muscle contraction artificially, and several research studies support its effectiveness in muscle strengthening and pain control. Physiologically, however, the electricity-induced muscle contraction is quite different compared to voluntary contraction, and may change muscle contraction behavior that may affect balance. We conducted experiments to test this hypothesis.