[Muscle training by electrostimulation].

Repeated electrical stimulation of skeletal muscles with intact innervation can lead to increased muscular performance. This form of treatment is employed, for example, in atrophy prophylaxis, re-establishment of lost muscular power, and selective strengthening of isolated muscles or muscle groups, and has also been recommended for sport-related performance training. For the most part, it represents an adjuvant measure to active exercise. The selected current forms and stimulation parameters must be oriented to the laws of stimulation physiology. Suitable selection and positioning of electrodes, together with dosage are decisive for the success of treatment. Recent aspects of electrostimulation are so-called fiberspecific electrotraining and the question as to whether the use of certain stimulation frequencies can preferentially be used for phasic or tonic muscle fibers. Electrostimulation of denervated muscles is controversial.