Maffiuletti, N. A., Cometti, G., Amiridis, I. G., Martin, A., Pousson, M., & Chatard, J.-C. (2000). The effects of electromyostimulation training and basketball practice on muscle strength and jumping ability. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 21, 437-443.

The influence of four weeks of electomyostimulation training (almost a form of isometric training) on the strength of knee extensors and vertical jump was assessed in 10 basketball players. A further 10 players served as a control group. Electromyostimulation consisted of 48 contractions, three times per week. Testing was performed pre-stimulation, at the end of the four-week program, and after eight weeks (the last four weeks being basketball practice only).

Isokinetic strength increased significantly at eccentric and high concentric velocities but not at low concentric velocities. Electromyostimulation training increased isometric strength at the two angles adjacent to the training angle. Squat jump increased by 14% at week 4, but the counter movement jump did not change. At week 8, gains in strength and squat jump were maintained and counter movement jump increased by 17%. No significant changes were observed in the control group. For all subjects, no significant correlation was found between the strength measurements and vertical jump performances, before or after training.

Once strength and strength performances were improved, basketball training alone was able to maintain the gains. The value of those gains on basketball performance was not assessed. Rather, this study demonstrated that with strength training, specific gains occur in the training activities.

Implication. Electromyostimulation improved strength and strength performances but the specific value of any changes for basketball performance remained to be demonstrated.

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