The effect of six weeks strength training with EMS on salivary BDNF and back muscle strength in elite archers

Muscle strength and increased concentration are very important and effective components in the success of archers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of six weeks strength training with EMS on salivary BDNF and back muscle strength in elite archers. In this semi-experimental study, 16 elite male archer volunteers (age range 16 to 18 years and body mass index 20-25 kg.m-2) purposeful and accessible were selected and randomly were divided into two groups; strength training with EMS and strength training with arch groups. The EMS group performed strength training (50% to 75% 1RM) with muscle electrical stimulation (Maximum output current 180 mA, output frequency 1 to 120 Hz) 3 days a week for 6 weeks, and the control group only were performed strength training similar to the EMS group. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test at the P<0.05. The results showed that after 6 weeks, the mean of the back-muscle strength in the strength training with EMS group was significantly higher than the strength training with arch group (p<0.001). Also, the back-muscle strength increased significantly in the strength training with EMS and strength training with arch groups compared to the pre-test (p<0.001), Salivary BDNF levels in elite archers in the strength training group with EMS were not significantly different than the strength training with arch group (p= 0.985). According to the results, it seems that strength training with EMS can increase the back-muscle strength elite archers.