A research group from the acclaimed Karolinska Institute in Sweden investigated the effects on global mRNA expression in the quadriceps muscle early after a single neuromuscular electrical stimulation session and compared it with the impact of completely voluntary knee extension exercise. 

As part of their research protocol for measuring muscle strength using the isokinetic system (considered a golden standard for knee extension isokinetic measurements), the EasyForce® Digital Dynamometer was incorporated as a control instrument at a location where the isokinetic system was not available. Using a simple correlation analysis, researchers found a high correlation between the values measured by the isokinetic system and those measured by EasyForce. 

From Meloq's perspective, the project's complexity and subsequent publication in a journal with a high impact factor indicate an enormous leap forward in building a strong evidence base for the EasyForce product line. 

Today, we are bringing a short interview with the leading contributor to this project, a postdoctoral researcher, dr. Stefan Markus Reitzner.

How to cite the original article:  Flodin J, Reitzner SM, Emanuelsson EB, Sundberg CJ, Ackermann P. The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the human skeletal muscle transcriptome. Acta Physiol. 2024;00:e14129. doi:10.1111/apha.14129

INTERVIEW WITH STEFAN M. REITZNER 

1) Please tell us briefly what the project was about.  

Our study compared the molecular effects of regular weight-stack strength exercise with externally induced muscle contractions using electrical stimulation (NMES). We constantly monitored the force produced during our intervention protocol to ensure consistency with the applied force during the NMES stimulation.

2) Why was EasyForce chosen as a control instrument? 

The isokinetic system was used for initial strength testing. However, during the exercise itself, we required a much more compact and easy-to-use device. We couldn’t access the isokinetic system to the extent we needed, and it was also not compact enough, which led us to seek alternative options. 

3) In simple words, how was the correlation made between isokinetics and isometric values? 

To overcome this, we used (isokinetic) and EasyForce (isometric) strength testing during the initial inclusion to better understand their connection. We then did a simple correlation analysis of the data we obtained. Correlation analyses demonstrated good reliability of the measurements with the EasyForce and the isokinetic system. 

SUPPLEMENTARY FIGURES 

Figure S1. Correlation between Biodex and EasyForce knee extensor force measurement.

About the researcher:  

Stefan Reitzner
Postdoctoral Researcher
E-mail: stefan.reitzner@ki.se

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