Author(s): KOLIMECHKOV, S., SEIJO, M., COLADO, J.C., NACLERIO, F., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 719

INTRODUCTION:
Microcurrent therapy (MCT) uses sub-sensory electric current across the skin to enhance healing after injury, improve post-exercise recovery or optimise training outcomes in athletes. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness MCT combined with physical exercise for attenuating symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness and enhancing body composition, muscle strength, and endurance compared to exercise alone (sham MCT with exercise) in physically active individuals.
METHODS:
A meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search of the literature was conducted using Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, MEDLINE PubMed, and Web of Science, considering publications until the 1st of February 2024. The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including adult participants (≥18 years old) undergoing any exercise intervention combined with MCT or a sham (control condition). Continuous data on fat mass percentage, maximum load moved in resistance exercises (1RM) as a marker of strength, VO2peak as a marker of endurance, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were pooled using a random-effects model. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software, v. 4.0.000 (Biostat Inc., Englewood, New York, USA) was used for the analysis.
RESULTS:
Data from eleven RCTs were included in the qualitative summary and six in the quantitative analyses (n=364 participants). The overall quality of the included studies was high, demonstrating a low risk of bias. Compared to sham, MCT added to exercise significantly reduced the symptoms of DOMS (g = -0.487, 95 % CI -0.75 to -0.23). No further significant benefits of MCT were identified for fat mass percentage (g = -0.144, 95 % CI -0.48 to 0.19) or strength (g = 0.116, 95 % CI -0.45 to 0.69).
CONCLUSION:
MCT added post-workout is an effective, safe modality for reducing the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness in healthy physically active humans.