The effect of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation-resistance training and protein supplementation on lean mass in persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

This study investigates whether protein supplementation enhances the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation resistance training (NMES-RT) on lean mass in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Fifteen individuals with chronic SCI participated in NMES-RT three times a week for 12 weeks, with or without protein supplementation. The study found that thigh lean mass increased more with protein supplementation, suggesting it enhances the training effect of NMES-RT in this population.

• 1
  Thigh lean mass increased to a greater extent after NMES with protein supplementation (NMES+PRO) compared to NMES alone.
• 2
  Fasting insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were decreased similarly in both groups.
• 3
  Adherence to the intervention components was high (≥96%).