Effects of concurrent training with whole-body electrostimulation on anaerobic performance and biochemical parameters

Abstract

Concurrent training is a methodology that combine endurance and strength training. This method has always been in controversy due to the interference phenomenon, as it was thought that endurance training affected adversely strength training. However, it has been proved that this fact depends on the modality, frequency and duration of endurance training (Wilson et al., 2012). Moreover, the addition of whole-body electrostimulation in concurrent training could have positive effects in anaerobic performance. In addition, it has been established that electrostimulation training could increase CK and LDH markers. Thus, this study aim was to determine which concurrent training protocol is more effective to enhance anaerobic performance and biochemical parameters in recreationally-trained subjects: consecutive (weightlifting + HIIT) vs. simultaneous (WB-ES + HIIT). Both groups increased BUN in POST (CS 12.50±2.93 vs 18.00±3.67 p<0.05; CC 11.27±1.78 mg/dL vs 15.57±2.23 mg/dL p<0.05). LDH increased in CS in POST (203.25±26.95 UI/L vs 242.75±45.42 UI/L p<0.05) and DET (203.25±26.95 UI/L vs 245.88±21.65 UI/L p<0.01).

INTRODUCTION

Concurrent training is a methodology that combine endurance and strength training. This method has always been in controversy due to the interference phenomenon, as it was thought that endurance training affected adversely strength training. However, it has been proved that this fact depends on the modality, frequency and duration of endurance training (Wilson et al., 2012). Moreover, the addition of whole-body electrostimulation in concurrent training could have positive effects in anaerobic performance (Filipovic et al., 2016). In addition, it has been established that electrostimulation training could increase CK (Stöllberger & Finsterer, 2018) and LDH (Moreau et al., 1995) markers. Thus, this study aim was to determine which concurrent training protocol is more effective to enhance anaerobic performance and biochemical parameters in recreationally-trained subjects: consecutive (weightlifting + HIIT) vs. simultaneous (WB-ES + HIIT).

METHOD

22 recreationally trained subjects (age 20.08 ± 2.08 years, Weight 72.49 ± 5.20 kg, BMI 22.23 ± 2.47 kg/m2) were randomised in 3 groups: Concurrent Consecutive (CC), Concurrent Simultaneous (CS) and Control Group (CG). The training period was 5 weeks, 2 days per week, for a total of 10 sessions. CC training group performed a strength circuit training (4 exercises: bench press, front pull down, back squat and femoral curl) executing 4 x 8 reps 60% 1RM in the first 5 sessions and 65% 1RM in the last 5 sessions, followed by HIIT (4 x 4 min 90-95% maximal aerobic power (VO2max) with 3 min of recovery at 40-50% VO2max) on a cycle ergometer. CS training group performed the same HIIT combined with whole body electrostimulation (WiemsPro, USA). All participants were evaluated before initiation of the training protocol (PRE), after 10 training sessions (POST) and after 3 weeks of detraining (DET). Testing included Wingate for maximal power, 20 meters acceleration test for speed and blood test to measure biochemical parameters (BUN, CK, LDH, GOT and GTP). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures.

RESULTS

Both groups increased BUN in POST (CS 12.50±2.93 vs 18.00±3.67 p<0.05; CC 11.27±1.78 mg/dL vs 15.57±2.23 mg/dL p<0.05). LDH increased in CS in POST (203.25±26.95 UI/L vs 242.75±45.42 UI/L p<0.05) and DET (203.25±26.95 UI/L vs 245.88±21.65 UI/L p<0.01). However, CC only increased LDH in DET (185.29±28.95 UI/L vs 261.71±39.58 UI/L). No differences were found in the rest of the parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent simultaneous training is not effective in improving anaerobic performance. In addition, this type of training induces more muscular damage than concurrent consecutive training.

Funding

Supported by Government of Extremadura-Spain (CTS036 GR18)

References

References.

Filipovic, A., Grau, M., Kleinöder, H., Zimmer, P., Hollmann, W., & Bloch, W. (2016). Effects of a whole-body electrostimulation program on strength, sprinting, jumping, and kicking capacity in elite soccer players. Journal of sports science & medicine, 15(4), 639. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d43 790

Moreau, D., Dubots, P., Boggio, V., Guilland, J. C., & Cometti, G. (1995). Effects of electromyostimulation and strength training on muscle soreness, muscle damage and sympathetic activation. Journal of sports sciences, 13(2), 95-100. DOI: 10.1080/02640419508732216

Stöllberger, C., & Finsterer, J. (2018). Side effects of whole-body electro-myo-stimulation. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 1-8. DOI: 10.1007/s10354-018-0655-x

Wilson, J. M., Marin, P. J., Rhea, M. R., Wilson, S. M., Loenneke, J. P., & Anderson, J. C. (2012). Concurrent training: a meta-analysis examining interference of aerobic and resistance exercises. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(8), 2293-2307. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823a3e2d