KiloHertz currents on aspects of muscle function: A scoping review

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with kiloHertz currents (kHz) is a resource used in rehabilitation for producing muscle contractions with functional objectives, resulting from the optimization of the performance of aspects of muscle function (AOMF). However, parameters such as inadequate frequency, phase duration, amplitude, and therapy time may limit the effectiveness of NMES by the absence of adequate stimuli to generate positive adaptations in the AOMF. This study aimed to present an overview of the effectiveness and dosimetry of NMES by kHz on AOMF, such as torque and hypertrophy, in healthy people.

Methods: The study was outlined as a scoping review. From the search, 3892 studies were found of which were incorporated into Rayyan software for exclusion of duplicates and further selection by titles and abstracts, which resulted in 33 articles for this review.

Results: According to the included studies, kHz can increase torque and generate hypertrophy. Only the studies with Russian current showed hypertrophy gains. Dosimetry was not always detailed in the studies, which hinders stipulating optimal parameters for kHz.

Conclusion: From this review, it is concluded that NMSC by kHz is a valid resource to optimize AOMF, although the dosimetric parameters are still inconsistent.