Effect Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Blood Glucose And Metabolic Rate - A Pilot Study

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a technique of using mild electrical impulses to elicit involuntary muscle contraction. It is often used in rehabilitation centers to enhance mobility, increase muscle strength, improve circulation, and prevent muscle degeneration and other effects of disuse. This technology is particularly useful for sedated individuals and people with functional disabilities that limit their level of physical activity. Current research studies show that NMES also has the potential to improve glycemic control and other metabolic health parameters, analogous to conventional exercise training; however, the metabolic mechanisms involved are not well understood. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of NMES on blood glucose levels, metabolic rate, and substrate utilization. METHODS: The study included 17 volunteers who are without diabetes (Males: 6, Females: 11, Age: 35.00 ± 13.68, BMI: 32.29 ± 8.66 kg/m2). After an overnight fast, participants laid supine on a bed for 30 minutes while receiving NMES on both quadricep muscles. NMES was administered at each participant’s maximum bearable intensity using a frequency of 50 Hz and a pulse width of 300 μs. Blood glucose and lactate levels were measured at rest and at 5-minute intervals throughout the stimulation period. Indirect calorimetry was used to continually track the rate of metabolism and fuel utilization before and during the NMES. The test experiment was preceded by a day of standard diet control. RESULTS: Blood glucose significantly decreased at the 15th, 25th, and 30th minutes of stimulation (93.13 ± 8.50 mg/dL, 92.19 ± 8.94 mg/dL, and 91.59 ± 8.98 mg/dL respectively), compared to the baseline (95.33 ± 8.13 mg/dL), with the average glucose level for the entire stimulation period (92.53 ± 8.89 mg/dL) being lower than the baseline level (p < 0.05). The average metabolic rate during the NMES was greater (18.80 ± 4.52 Kcal/Kg/Day) than the baseline rate during rest (18.68 ± 3.70 Kcal/Kg/Day) (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the respiratory exchange ratio (substrate selection) and in blood lactate levels. CONCLUSION: Blood glucose levels can be lowered by the acute application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation possibly through an increase in metabolic rate and is therefore a potential glucose control technique.