What is an observed effect of NMES?

• A. Increased muscle size/hypertrophy (~8 wks)
• B. Decreased recruitment immediately
• C. Increased blood flow only after months
• D. No change in muscle size

Answer: (A)

Muscle hypertrophy is a common outcome of NMES when the stimulation is applied consistently. Repeated electrically elicited contractions create mechanical tension and metabolic stress that stimulate muscle protein synthesis and growth of the muscle fibers. With a well‑dosed program, you can see an increase in muscle size around eight weeks. NMES tends to recruit motor units in a way that engages fast‑twitch fibers, which have strong hypertrophic potential, helping explain the size gains even if your voluntary effort is limited. Other options don’t fit the pattern: recruitment doesn’t just decrease immediately, blood flow is increased during the stimulation sessions rather than only after months, and there can be real changes in muscle size with proper NMES use.