Hence, measuring CBF during EMS would identify the contribution of muscle contraction and the resultant physiological changes to CBF regulation. Conversely, EMS induces involuntary muscle contraction without a central motor or cardiovascular command, which enables isolation of the physiological changes derived from muscle contraction. Voluntary exercise induces many physiological changes that originate centrally (brain activity associated with central motor command), peripherally (muscle contraction and resultant physiological changes), and under cardiovascular command. It is well established that acute voluntary exercise increases cerebral blood flow (CBF). In contrast to the beneficial effects of EMS on muscle strength and metabolism, its effects on cerebral perfusion are poorly understood. Thus, EMS may be potentially beneficial for individuals who are unable to exercise as well as healthy populations. Furthermore, EMS training improves muscle strength and prevents muscle atrophy after surgery or during hospitalization. For example, EMS of large muscles increases whole-body glucose uptake and lowers postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Several studies suggest that electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the large lower limb muscles can be used as an alternative modality to voluntary exercise.

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are associated with numerous negative health concerns. The present results indicate that EMS increased ICA blood flow but not VA blood flow, suggesting that the effects of EMS on cerebral perfusion differ between anterior and posterior cerebral circulation, primarily due to the differences in cerebrovascular response to CO 2. In the EMS condition, there was a significant positive linear correlation between ΔP ETCO 2 and ΔICA blood flow (R = 0.74, P = 0.02).

Heart rate, blood pressure, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P ETCO 2) were monitored and measured as well. The ICA and VA blood flow were measured before and during EMS or control. The participants performed the experiments under EMS and control (rest) conditions in a randomized crossover design. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of EMS on CBF, focusing on whether the effects differ between the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) arteries. Several studies have suggested that EMS has the potential to be an alternative method of voluntary exercise however, its effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF) when applied to large lower limb muscles are poorly understood. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) induces involuntary muscle contraction.

Ems muscle stimulator