However, the strengthening programs used in published research protocols were particularly intensive and are harder to apply in daily practice.
Polypathology, limited motivation, reduced cognitive functions, often limits the implementation of such protocols. Direct muscle electrostimulation could be a good tool to fight installation or worsening of the sarcopenia process, particularly in the frail elderly. Currently, however, there are only very few studies examining this idea. In their study,
Caggiano et al. found an improvement in the quadriceps femoris maximal isometric strength similar after 12 sessions of usual strengthening or electrostimulation in subjects 72 4 years old.
Paillard et al. analyzed the effects of electrostimulation superimposed or not by voluntary muscle contractions on muscle strength, body composition, different posturographic data and vertical jump height in women between 62 and 75 years old.
After randomization, participants received either electrostimulation of their quadriceps or up-and-down stairclimbing exercises, or the two programs associated.
They attended four sessions a week for 6 weeks.
The results showed that the three programs are similarly good, with an improvement in the isometric and isokinetic strength of the lower limbs and vertical jump height. No better effect of the superimposed electrostimulation appeared in comparison with the two programs alone. None of the three programs altered the body composition or posture of the participants.
To our knowledge,
no study to date has focused specifically on isolated or superimposed electrostimulation used to improve muscle function in persons with diagnosed sarcopenia.
Electrostimulation with voluntary muscle contraction exercise could induce different physiologic adaptations compared with electrostimulation or voluntary muscle contraction exercise alone.