%0 Journal Article
%T Electrical Muscle Stimulation as an Alternative to Exercise: Improvements in Executive Function, Anxiety, and Hippocampal BDNF via Lactate Signaling
%A Peter H. Lawson
%A Olivia S. Brown
%A Daniel K. Moore
%J Bulletin of Pioneering Researches of Medical and Clinical Science
%@ 3006-2659
%D 2022
%V 2
%N 2
%R 10.51847/6dwbix6X7k
%P 126-142
%X Exercise (EX) is widely acknowledged for supporting brain function, but traditional physical activity may not be accessible to all populations. This research investigates electromyostimulation (EMS) as a potential substitute for improving cognitive performance. Both human volunteers and rats underwent two EMS sessions targeting the quadriceps, each lasting 30 minutes and separated by one week. Cognitive and mood evaluations were performed in humans, while rats were analyzed histologically and biochemically in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and quadriceps. EMS improved executive functioning and lowered anxiety in human participants. In animals, hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were elevated following EMS. Interestingly, this effect did not coincide with increased neuronal activity or cerebral blood flow, indicating a humoral signal from muscle to brain. No detectable changes occurred in muscle-derived or circulating BDNF or in the FNDC5/irisin pathway, whereas lactate emerged as a key mediator linking muscle activity to brain responses. These results support EMS as a promising alternative to conventional exercise for promoting brain health and cognitive enhancement.
%U https://bprmcs.com/article/electrical-muscle-stimulation-as-an-alternative-to-exercise-improvements-in-executive-function-anx-ir1ynksmguw9fei