Effects of muscle contraction induced by electrical stimulation on fascial gliding: Evaluation by ultrasonography.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-induced muscle contraction on fascial gliding between the muscle and adjacent tissues and identifies factors that affect fascial gliding.

METHODS

The gliding between the epimysium of the vastus lateralis muscle and the subcutaneous tissue was measured using a diagnostic ultrasound system during the subject's knee joint was flexed passively. The deep temperature, deep blood flow, and tissue hardness of the vastus lateralis muscle were measured to identify factors contributing to the changes in fascial gliding.

RESULTS

Fascial gliding significantly increased after NMES. The deep temperature was significantly higher when NMES was not applied. There were no significant differences in deep blood flow or tissue hardness.

CONCLUSION

Fascial gliding increased when NMES was applied. However, deep temperature, blood flow, and muscle hardness were not affected by NMES. Shear force caused by muscle contraction may play a role in the increase in fascial gliding due to NMES.