The impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on recovery after intensive, muscle damaging, maximal speed training in professional team sports players

<p><i>Objectives:</i> During congested fixture periods in team sports, limited recovery time and increased travel hinder the implementation of many recovery strategies; thus alternative methods are required. We examined the impact of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device on 24-h recovery from an intensive training session in professional players.<br/><i> Design:</i> Twenty-eight professional rugby and football academy players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study, on 2 occasions, separated by 7 days.<br/><i> Methods:</i> After baseline perceived soreness, blood (lactate and creatine kinase) and saliva (testosterone and cortisol) samples were collected, players completed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jumps (jump height). Players then completed 60 m × 50 m maximal sprints, with 5 min recovery between efforts. After completing the sprint session, players wore a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device or remained in normal attire (CON) for 8 h. All measures were repeated immediately, 2 and 24-h post-sprint.<br/><i> Results:</i> Player jump height was reduced from baseline at all time points under both conditions; however, at 24-h neuromuscular electrical stimulation was significantly more recovered (mean ± SD; neuromuscular electrical stimulation -3.2 ± 3.2 vs. CON -7.2 ± 3.7%; <i>P</i>< 0.001). Creatine kinase concentrations increased at all time points under both conditions, but at 24-h was lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation (<i>P</i>< 0.001). At 24-h, perceived soreness was significantly lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation, when compared to CON (<i>P</i>= 0.02). There was no effect of condition on blood lactate, or saliva testosterone and cortisol responses (<i>P</i>> 0.05).<br/><i> Conclusions:</i> Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves recovery from intensive training in professional team sports players. This strategy offers an easily applied recovery strategy which may have particular application during sleep and travel.</p>