Introduction and Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of gymnastics training combined with electrical stimulation on the electromyographic and electroneurographic parameters of the calf muscle in gymnasts aged 8-12. The study population consisted of elite gymnasts from Arak City who had been regularly participating in the city's selected team exercises for at least two years.
Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design. Twenty gymnasts were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. During the study, one gymnast from the experimental group was excluded due to an injury. A two-channel electromyography device was used to measure muscle function. Both groups performed routine gymnastics training six times a week, and the experimental group received electrical stimulation in addition to gymnastics.
Results: The findings showed that 8 weeks of gymnastics training, with or without electrical stimulation, had no significant effect on latency, nerve conduction velocity, M-wave amplitude, or integrated electromyography. No significant differences were observed between the two groups.
Conclusion: These results indicate that the training and stimulation programs used had no significant impact on electromyographic and electroneurographic parameters. In athletes with a long history of sports participation, creating new neuromuscular adaptations is challenging, and the duration of electrical stimulation may not have been sufficient. Increasing the duration might lead to more favorable changes.