Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Prevent Exercise Resistance

Exercise resistance is characterized by the absence of exercise induced improvements in fat metabolism following a meal, and results from prolonged sedentary behavior between successive workouts (i.e. 2+ sedentary days between exercise bouts). The suggested energy expenditure threshold for avoiding exercise resistance is the equivalent of walking ~8,500 steps/day. However, population data indicate that the typical adult in the US only walks 5,000 steps/day (i.e. 3,500 steps below the threshold). Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) evokes skeletal muscle contractions and increases energy expenditure. The hypothesis to be explored in this current proposal is: NMES will prevent exercise resistance. The plan is to induce exercise resistance via short-term abstention from activity other than exercise, and then on a separate occasion, use NMES to prevent exercise resistance (i.e. the short-term abstention from exercise will be "replaced" with NMES).

Inclusion criteria

• Regularly active (more than 30 minutes of exercise per day, 3 days per week, over the previous 12 months)
• Ability to complete at least one hour of treadmill exercise (i.e. jogging/running),
• Willing to abstain from caffeine and alcohol for 24-hours prior to three different study visits
• Competency in English

Exclusion criteria

• Current or previous injuries that may hinder a participant's ability to exercise on a treadmill
• A history of cardiopulmonary disorder that may be contra-indicative to treadmill exercise
• Current use of cardio-pulmonary medication to treat a cardio-pulmonary condition
• Currently breastfeeding
• Pregnancy