Abstract Mukherjee, S, Fok, JR, and van Mechelen, W. Electrical stimulation and muscle strength gains in healthy adults: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 938–950, 2023—Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a popular method for strength gains among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This review investigated the literature from 2008 to 2020 on EMS application protocols, strength adaptations, neural adaptations, and its use as an independent and combined training tool for strength gain in healthy adults. The investigation was modeled after the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria included studies that assessed the effect of EMS, either alone or in combination with voluntary resistance training (VRT) in healthy adult populations, involving a control group performing either usual or sham training, with at least 1 performance outcome measure assessed during experimental randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCT, randomized crossover trials, or nonrandomized studies. Ten studies met the eligibility criteria with a total of 174 subjects. Eight studies investigated the effect of EMS on lower limb muscles and 2 on elbow flexors. Five studies used concurrent VRT. Studies were heterogenous in methods, subject characteristics, intervention, and EMS protocols. All 10 studies reported significant strength gains as an outcome of EMS treatment, but there were no improvements in strength-related functional outcome measures. The optimal threshold for treatment duration, EMS intensity, pulse, and frequency could not be determined due to methodological differences and EMS application protocol inconsistency between studies. Protocol variations also existed between the studies that combined EMS with VRT. Standardized protocols are needed for electrode placement location, motor point identification, positioning of the body part being investigated, impulse type, intensity, and duration of stimulus.

Swarup Mukherjee

Jeryn Ruiwen Fok

Willem van Mechelen

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

THE JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH (JSCR) 的编辑使命是通过研究推进有关力量和体能的知识。该杂志的一个独特之处在于它包含了对研究成果实际使用的建议。虽然期刊名称将力量和体能识别为独立的实体，但力量被认为是体能的一部分。该杂志希望促进同行评审手稿的出版，这些手稿通过应用运动科学增加了我们对体能和运动的理解。

The mission of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR) is to advance knowledge in the field of strength and conditioning through research. A unique aspect of this journal is its inclusion of practical applications of research findings. While the journal's title identifies strength and conditioning as separate entities, strength is considered a component of conditioning. We aim to promote the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts that enhance our understanding of conditioning and exercise through the application of exercise science.

《Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research》(JSCR) 的编辑使命是通过研究推动力量和体能领域的知识发展。该期刊的独特之处在于提供了研究成果的实际应用建议。虽然期刊名称将力量和体能视为独立的领域，但力量实际上是体能的一部分。我们希望促进同行评审的手稿出版，这些手稿通过应用运动科学，增进我们对体能和运动的理解。

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Electrical Stimulation and Muscle Strength Gains in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Ten studies reported significant strength gains as an outcome of EMS treatment, but there were no improvements in strength-related functional outcome measures and the optimal threshold for treatment duration, EMS intensity, pulse, and frequency could not be determined.

Category	Quartile
医学	2
医学, 运动科学	2

Electrical Stimulation and Muscle Strength Gains in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

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Category	Quartile
SPORT SCIENCES	2