The effect of NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) and Core exercise applications on muscle damage and antioxidant levels in recovery process after high intensity interval training (HIIT)

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the affects of NMES and Core exercise applications on muscle damage and antioxidant levels during the recovery period after high-intensity interval training. Material and Method: 24 healthy male students studying at Mersin Naim Süleymanoğlu Sports High School participated in the research. The students participating in the study were randomly divided into three groups with equal numbers as NMES, Core exercise and control groups. In the study, HIIT exercise protocol was applied to all groups, then recovery protocols were applied to NMES and Core exercise groups. In order to determine muscle damage and antioxidant levels, blood samples were taken at six different times, before and after HIIT exercise, after recovery practices, at 24, 48 and 72 hours. CK, LDH, MDA, CAT, SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, TAS, TOS, OSI parameters were analyzed. Results: The participants in NMES, Core exercise and control groups were compared between the groups for each time and between the times for each group, a statistically significant difference was found between the mean of MDA, TAS and OSI (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle damage (CK and LDH) parameters and CAT, SOD, GSH, GSH-Px and TOS levels. Conclusion: NMES and Core exercise applications during the recovery period after HIIT exercise; it can be said it has no effect to muscle damage parameters, but affects some oxidant and antioxidant parameters positively, and it can be stated that using these applications during the recovery process may be beneficial.