The acute muscular response following a novel form of pulsed direct current stimulation (Neubie) or traditional resistance exercise.

Objectives: To examine changes in muscle thickness (MT), soreness (SOR), and isometric torque (ISO) following exercise with pulsed direct current (Neubie) or traditional high-load (TRAD) exercise.

Methods: Thirty-two participants had SOR, MT, and ISO measured before, immediately after, and 24 and 48h following TRAD and Neubie. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort were also measured. Results are displayed as means(SD).

Results: For MT, there was a condition x time interaction (p<0.001). For Neubie, MT increased pre [3.7(0.7)cm] to post [3.9(0.8) cm, p<0.001] and remained elevated at 24h. For TRAD, MT increased pre [3.7(0.6)cm] to post [4.0 (0.7)cm, p<0.001] and remained up to 48h. Greater values were observed for TRAD post-exercise. For ISO, both conditions decreased up to 48h. TRAD demonstrated a greater change post exercise (p<0.001). For SOR, both conditions increased up to 48h. Neubie demonstrated greater SOR at 48h (p=0.007). RPE was higher for all sets in TRAD [Mean across sets=16.0(1.9) vs. 13.5(2), p<0.001]. Discomfort was higher in all sets for Neubie [Mean across sets=5.8(1.5)vs. 4.5(2.0), p<0.05].

Conclusions: Both conditions showed increased SOR, and decreased ISO for up to 48h, with MT increased for up to 24h. MT remained elevated in TRAD at 48h. Neubie training might be effective for individuals who are looking to experience lower RPE responses during exercise.