Comparison of the Effects Of Two Exercise Protocols On Blood Flow

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pulsed electrical stimulation and voluntary exercise on blood flow in healthy subjects. 20 subjects (12 males, 8 females) the age range 20-30 (S.D=1.02) were randomly assigned into either of 2 groups consisting of 10 subjects. One group's (A) subjects were stimulated to produce 20 isometric contractions of the quadriceps femoris muscle per minute on a dynamometer (Midland) corresponding to 10% of their predetermined maximum voluntary contractile force (MVC) and for a total period of 5 minutes. Contractions were performed in supine position with the hip and knee flexed 45o and 90 o respectively.


The second group's (B) subjects were involved in similar contractions excluding electrical stimulation. The femoral pulse rate was measured periodically in both groups and employed in the statistical analysis of data as a correlate of blood flow.


The result indicates a significant increase in the blood flow during volutary contractions (t=2.04, p<0.05) but not in the electrical stimulation group. In addition there was a significant difference in the effects of both exercise protocols (t=3.4222, p<0.05).


Key Words: Electrical Stimulation, Isometric Exercise, Pulsr Rate


[J. of Med. & Medical Sci. Vol.1(1) 1999: 39-43]