Effect of Passive Warm-Up Using High-Voltage Pulsed-Current Electrical Stimulation on Jump Performance in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

A short warm-up using electrical stimulation and abdominal exercises improved jump performance in young adults.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that high-voltage pulsed-current stimulation during warm-up enhances athletic performance.

Findings

Jump height increased significantly in the HVPC group after the intervention.

The rebound jump index improved in the HVPC group but not in the control group.

Ground contact time remained unchanged in both groups.

Abstract

Background

Warm-ups optimize athletic performance; however, excessively active warm-ups may induce fatigue. Passive warm-up strategies, including thermotherapy, offer physiological benefits, although their immediate performance effects are unclear. High-voltage pulsed-current (HVPC) electrical stimulation, used in rehabilitation to activate deep muscles, has not been fully explored as a warm-up strategy. This study examined the immediate effects of short-duration HVPC stimulation combined with abdominal hollowing exercises on jump performance.

Methods

A total of 36 healthy participants were randomly assigned to the HVPC (n = 18) or control (n = 18) group. The HVPC group performed abdominal hollowing exercises with HVPC stimulation for 4 minutes, while the control group performed the exercises without electrical stimulation. The rebound jump (RJ) index, jump height, and ground contact time were measured before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was used to compare the pre- and post-experiment measurements.

Results

The HVPC group showed a significant increase in jump height (pre 31.95 ± 6.42 vs post 33.64 ± 6.61) (p < 0.05) and RJ index (pre 1.67 ± 0.47 vs post 1.75 ± 0.44) (p < 0.05) post-intervention, whereas the ground contact time remained unchanged. The control group showed no significant changes in any parameter.

Conclusion

Short-duration HVPC stimulation combined with abdominal hollowing exercises improved jump performance. HVPC-assisted warm-ups show potential, particularly in sports.

Figures