Comparison of Different Quadriceps Femoris Isometric Strengthening Methods

Background:It has been reported in previous studies that more motor units are fired with electrical stimulation than voluntary muscle contraction, and even high intensity currents provide 10-30% more contractions than voluntary muscle contraction. Objective:This study was planned to compare the effectiveness of high voltage pulsed galvanic (HVPG) stimulation, Russian current and isometric exercise on quadriceps femoris (QF) isometric muscle strength in healthy young women. Methods:Forty-six healthy young women were included in the study (mean age=21.02 ± 1.27). Before and after the training, the dominant side QF isometric muscle strength of participants was assessed with the Isokinetic Dynamometer . The peak torque and average torques of the participants were recorded after the test. The training was planned as HVPG current for the the first group (n = 16), as Russian current for the second group (n = 15) and as isometric strengthening for the third group (n = 15). All treatments were performed under physiotherapist supervision for a total of 15 sessions for 3 days a week for 5 weeks.