Physiological considerations on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in muscular strength training Consideraţii fiziologice asupra utilizării electrostimulării neuro- musculare (ESNM) ca metodă de creştere a forţei musculare

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the application of electric current through electrodes, leading to the depolarization of the motoneuron, thus eliciting a muscular contraction (stimulation over the motor threshold). Although its beneficial effects on strength training are widely recognized, some controversial aspects concerning the underlying physiological mechanisms of this strength gain still persist. This paper reviews the main aspects of motor unit recruitment in NMES versus Voluntary Muscular Contraction (VMC) and of the involvement of the Central Nervous System through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms in the muscle strength gain during NMES.