The effects of electromyostimulation application timing on denervated skeletal muscle atrophy

Introduction In this study we evaluated the effect of electromyostimulation (EMS) on myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in denervated rat muscles to determine the optimal timing for EMS application. Methods EMS was initiated on post-injury day 1 for the group with denervation receiving immediate EMS (DIEMS) and on post-injury day 15 for the group with denervation receiving delayed EMS (DDEMS) in rat denervated muscles. Muscle wet weight and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (FCSA) were measured. MHC isoforms were analyzed in both protein homogenates and single muscle fibers. Results The expression levels of IIx and IIb isoforms of MHC were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in the gastrocnemius muscles of the DIEMS group, but not the DDEMS group. The DIEMS group also showed larger FCSA and a lower proportion of hybrid single fibers compared with the DDEMS group. Discussion These results indicate that immediate EMS is more effective than delayed EMS for aiding recovery of denervation-induced MHC changes. Muscle Nerve 56: E154-E161, 2017.