What is the best way of effectively reducing muscle cramps? This is the focus of a study led by Christoph Skutschik, research associate at the Department of Sports Medicine and Performance Physiology at Goethe University's Institute of Sports Science. The study researches the effectiveness of electrostimulation training carried out at home, comparing it to conventional approaches, in particular the intake of magnesium supplements. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) developed by Prof. Michael Behringer, who heads the research area, stimulates nerve and muscle fibers using electrical impulses. The technique is intended to prevent or reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps, the cause of which has not yet been fully clarified. Recent research results indicate that the main root is to be found in the nerve fibers.
The study lasts a total of 16 weeks, during which participants must be physically present in the laboratory four times: first to collect basic data on health and muscle cramps and for an introduction to the methodology; then for initial measurements and allocation to one of the test groups; subsequently and following four weeks of therapeutic use once again for measurement; and finally, after a further six weeks, to document the long-term effects.
The study is open to anyone between the age of 18 and 69 who regularly suffers from muscle cramps and is willing to participate over a period of 16 weeks in the home applications (magnesium intake or NMES therapy) and the four laboratory visits mentioned above. Prospective participants should not suffer from any serious health restrictions (injuries to the lower extremities within the past six months, neuro-psychiatric diseases such as multiple sclerosis, dementia or epilepsy, kidney disease, acute cardiovascular disease or pacemakers).
The study is intended to result in new and better ways of preventing muscle cramps, from which the participants themselves may already benefit. Participation is voluntary and can be terminated at any time without providing any reasons. The data will be pseudonymized and processed in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation.
