BU Research Blog

NMES applied to the quadriceps muscles

We are looking for 12 healthy adults aged 60 years or over to take part in a PhD research study. The study is an evaluation of a six week intervention of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) that aims to strengthen the quadriceps muscles in the legs.

What is neuromuscular electrical stimulation? (NMES)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation sends electrical impulses to nerves. This causes muscles to contract involuntarily. Doing so can increase muscle strength and offset the effects of muscle disuse. NMES is often use to improve muscle function and to build strength before or after surgery or following a period of disuse. We want to test how effective it is at improving quadriceps muscle endurance.

What would taking part involve?

• A baseline assessment at the Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI), where we will collect data on your leg muscle strength.
• Six weeks of home-based NMES training with biweekly telephone reviews.
• A follow up assessment at ORI where your baseline measures will be repeated.

We are unable to pay participants, but can offer a £20 John Lewis voucher and a strength assessment report as a small thank you.

Primus equipment used to test leg muscle strength

How do I find out more information?

The participant information sheet for this study can be found here.

If you would like any further information, or are interested in taking part in the study, please contact the lead researcher Louise Burgess (lburgess@bournemouth.ac.uk, 01202 961651).