# Effect of Tibialis Anterior Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation-Induced Eccentric Contraction Training on Single-Leg Standing: A Pilot Study

## TL;DR

A four-week training program using electrical stimulation improved balance and muscle strength in healthy adults.

## Contribution

A novel NMES training method combining eccentric contractions and active antagonist muscle contraction was tested.

## Key findings

- Balance improved with reduced CoP trajectory velocity and range on a firm surface.
- Dorsiflexion force increased but not significantly.
- Muscle pennation angles did not change significantly.

## Abstract

This study explored the impact of a four-week Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)-induced eccentric contraction training on single-leg standing balance and muscle strength in 17 healthy adults. The unique training approach involved active antagonist muscle contraction during NMES. Post-training results revealed significant improvements in balance, with notable reductions in Center of Pressure (CoP) trajectory velocity (mean reduction: 0.07 ± 0.01 cm/s, p < 0.05) and range (mean reduction: 2.98 ± 0.53 cm, p < 0.05) on a firm surface. While increases in dorsiflexion force (mean increase: 21.43 ± 0.79 N, p < 0.05) and muscle activation were observed, these were not statistically significant. Changes in muscle pennation angles were also not significant (mean change: 0.43 ± 0.06 degrees, p > 0.05), underscoring the complexity of muscle adaptation processes. This study highlights NMES’s potential in enhancing balance and proprioceptive sensing, suggesting its promising applications in neuromuscular rehabilitation. However, further research is needed to fully understand its impact.