Strength and conditioning coaches frequently use traditional resistance training (TRT) to build strength. However, in recent years, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was used in elite athletes to increase muscle strength. This study aimed to assess the effect of two different types of training on muscular strength. Sixty female collegiate players (Age = 23.52±1.89 years, Height = 156.20±1.71cm; Mass = 53.21±3.17kg) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to three training groups. All groups trained as usual for eight weeks, except for the first group, which received additional TRT. The second group received additional electrical stimulation training, and the third group did not receive any additional training following the regular softball bat swing training. Muscular strength (upper and lower body) was assessed by a 3RM bench press and a 3RM squat test before and after the eight-week programme. The primary findings indicate that after eight weeks of training, upper body and lower body strength increased significantly in both the TRT and WB-EMS groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively) in comparison to the control group. However, the t value indicated that the TRT group improved both upper body strength (20.18) and lower body strength (29.18) more than the WB-EMS group (upper body = 6.18; lower body = 6.47). The findings demonstrate the efficacy of both training modalities for increasing muscular strength and suggest that TRT be prioritised over whole-body electrical stimulation training for increasing muscular strength in collegiate softball players.

• Aagaard, P., Simonsen, E. B., Andersen, J. L., Magnusson, P., & Dyhre-Poulsen, P. (2002). Neural adaptation to resistance training: Changes in evoked V-wave and H-reflex responses. Journal of Applied Physiology, 92(6), 2309-2318. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01185.2001

• Aldayel, A. A. (2010). Comparison of acute physiological effects between alternating current and pulsed current electrical muscle stimulation [Doctoral dissertation, Edith Cowan University]. Edith Cowan University Publishing. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/131/

• Babault, N., Cometti, G., Bernardin, M., Pousson, M., & Chatard, J.-C. (2007). Effects of electromyostimulation training on muscle strength and power of elite rugby players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2), 431-437. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200705000-00025

• Baechle, T. R., & Earle, R. W. (Eds.). (2008). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Human Kinetics.

• Bhave, P. T. A. (2021). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation increases muscle strength, reduces pain, and improves functional recovery. International Journal Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 2(1), 1007.

• Billot, M., Martin, A., Paizis, C., Cometti, C., & Babault, N. (2010). Effects of an electrostimulation training program on strength, jumping, and kicking capacities in soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(5), 1407-1413. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d43790

• Bird, S. P., Tarpenning, K. M., & Marino, F. E. (2005). Designing resistance training programmes to enhance muscular fitness. Sports Medicine, 35(10), 841-851. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535100-00002

• Collins, D. F. (2007). Central contributions to contractions evoked by tetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 35(3), 102-109. https://doi.org/10.1097/jes.0b013e3180a0321b

• Dehail, P., Duclos, C., & Barat, M. (2008). Electrical stimulation and muscle strengthening. Annales de Réadaptation et de Médecine Physique, 51(6), 441-451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annrmp.2008.05.001

• DeRenne, C., Ho, K. W., & Murphy, J. C. (2001). Effects of general, special, and specific resistance training on throwing velocity in baseball: A brief review. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 15(1), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200102000-00026

• Earle, R. W., Baechle, T. R., & National Strength & Conditioning Association. (2004). NSCA’s essentials of personal training. Human Kinetics.

• Filipovic A., DeMarees M., Grau M., Hollinger A., Seeger B., Schiffer T., Bloch W., Gehlert S. (2019). superimposed whole-body electrostimulation augments strength adaptations and type II myofiber growth in soccer players during a competitive season. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, 1187. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01187

• Filipovic, A., Grau, M., Kleinöder, H., Zimmer, P., Hollmann, W., & Bloch, W. (2016). Effects of a whole-body electrostimulation program on strength, sprinting, jumping, and kicking capacity in elite soccer players. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 15(4), 639-648.

• Filipovic, A., Kleinöder, H., Dörmann, U., & Mester, J. (2011). Electromyostimulation—a systematic review of the influence of training regimens and stimulation parameters on effectiveness in electromyostimulation training of selected strength parameters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25(11), 3218-3238. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212e3ce

• Filipovic, A., Kleinöder, H., Dörmann, U., & Mester, J. (2012). Electromyostimulation—a systematic review of the effects of different electromyostimulation methods on selected strength parameters in trained and elite athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(9), 2600-2614. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823f2cd1

• Gondin, J., Guette, M., Ballay, Y., & Martin, A. (2006). Neural and muscular changes to detraining after electrostimulation training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 97(2), 165-173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0159-z

• Gregory, C. M., & Bickel, C. S. (2005). Recruitment patterns in human skeletal muscle during electrical stimulation. Physical Therapy, 85(4), 358-364. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.4.358

• Herrero, J. A., Izquierdo, M., Maffiuletti, N. A., & Garcia-Lopez, J. (2006). Electromyostimulation and plyometric training effects on jumping and sprint time. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(07), 533-539. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-865845

• Hoffman, J. R., Ratamess, N. A., & Kang, J. (2011). Performance changes during a college playing career in NCAA division III football athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25(9), 2351-2357. https://doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31821743df

• Hussain, R. N. J. R., Kee, K. M., Razman, R., Ismail, S. I., Shari, M., & Ideris, N. M. (2016). Relationship between electromyostimulation and free weight exercises in multiple repetition maximum strength test. In International Conference on Movement, Health and Exercise (pp. 83-87). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3737-5_17

• Jubeau, M., Sartorio, A., Marinone, P. G., Agosti, F., Van Hoecke, J., Nosaka, K., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2008). Comparison between voluntary and stimulated contractions of the quadriceps femoris for growth hormone response and muscle damage. Journal of Applied Physiology, 104(1), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00335.2007

• Kemmler, W., Schliffka, R., Mayhew, J. L., & von Stengel, S. (2010). Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on resting metabolic rate, body composition, and maximum strength in postmenopausal women: The training and electrostimulation trial. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(7), 1880-1887. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ddaeee

• Kemmler, W., & von Stengel, S. (2013). Whole-body electromyostimulation as a means to impact muscle mass and abdominal body fat in lean, sedentary, older female adults: Subanalysis of the TEST-III trial. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 8, 1353. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S52337

• Kemmler, W., Von Stengel, S., Schwarz, J., & Mayhew, J. L. (2012). Effect of whole-body electromyostimulation on energy expenditure during exercise. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(1), 240-245. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31821a3a11

• Kemmler, W., Weissenfels, A., Willert, S., Shojaa, M., von Stengel, S., Filipovic, A., Kleinöder, H., Berger, J., & Fröhlich, M. (2018). Efficacy and safety of low frequency whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to improve health-related outcomes in non-athletic adults. A systematic review. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 573. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00573

• Kraemer, W. J., & Ratamess, N. A. (2005). Hormonal responses and adaptations to resistance exercise and training. Sports Medicine, 35(4), 339-361. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535040-00004

• Kraemer, W. J., Spiering, B. A., Volek, J. S., Ratamess, N. A., Sharman, M. J., Rubin, M. R., French, D. N., Silvestre, R., Hatfield, D. L., Van Heest, J. L., Vingren, J. L., Judelson, D. A., Deshenes, M. R., & Maresh, C. M. (2006). Androgenic responses to resistance exercise: Effects of feeding and L-carnitine. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 38(7), 1288-1296. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000227314.85728.35

• Ludwig, O., Berger, J., Schuh, T., Backfisch, M., Becker, S., & Fröhlich, M. (2020). Can a superimposed whole-body electromyostimulation intervention enhance the effects of a 10-week athletic strength training in youth elite soccer players?. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 19(3), 535-546.

• Maffiuletti, N. A., Gometti, C., Amiridis, I. G., Martin, A., Pousson, M., & Chatard, J. C. (2000). The effects of electromyostimulation training and basketball practice on muscle strength and jumping ability. International journal of sports medicine, 21(06), 437-443. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2000-3837

• Maffiuletti, N. A., Zory, R., Miotti, D., Pellegrino, M. A., Jubeau, M., & Bottinelli, R. (2006). Neuromuscular adaptations to electrostimulation resistance training. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 85(2), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.phm.0000197570.03343.18

• Milanovich, M., & Nesbit, S. M. (2014). A three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic study of the college-level female softball swing. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 13(1), 180.

• Moritani, T., & Devries, H. A. (1980). Potential for gross muscle hypertrophy in older men. Journal of Gerontology, 35(5), 672-682. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/35.5.672

• Moro, T., Marcolin, G., Bianco, A., Bolzetta, F., Berton, L., Sergi, G., & Paoli, A. (2020). Effects of 6 weeks of traditional resistance training or high intensity interval resistance training on body composition, aerobic power and strength in healthy young subjects: A randomized parallel trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 4093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114093

• Narici, M. V., Roi, G. S., Landoni, L., Minetti, A. E., & Cerretelli, P. (1989). Changes in force, cross-sectional area and neural activation during strength training and detraining of the human quadriceps. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 59(4), 310-319. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02388334

• Nosaka, K., Aldayel, A., Jubeau, M., & Chen, T. C. (2011). Muscle damage induced by electrical stimulation. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(10), 2427-2437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2086-x

• Nunes, J. P., Grgic, J., Cunha, P. M., Ribeiro, A. S., Schoenfeld, B. J., de Salles, B. F., & Cyrino, E. S. (2021). What influence does resistance exercise order have on muscular strength gains and muscle hypertrophy? A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(2), 149-157. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1733672

• Park, J., Hong, C., & Cheon, W. (2020). Investigation on the relation among the body composition, physical fitness, and field test of female softball players. International Journal Of Protection, Security & Investigation, 5(1), 1-13. http://doi.org/10.22471/protective.2020.5.1.01

• Ratamess, N., Alvar, B., Evetoch, T., Housh, T., Kibler, W., Kraemer, W., & Triplett, N. T. (2009). Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults [ACSM position stand]. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(3), 687-708. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3181915670

• Ruivo, R., Carita, A., & Pezarat-Correia, P. (2016). Effects of a 16-week strength-training program on soccer players. Science & Sports, 31(5), e107-e113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2016.02.008

• Sanchez, B. R., Puche, P. P., & González-Badillo, J. J. (2005). Percutaneous electrical stimulation in strength training: An update. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 19(2), 438-448. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200505000-00033

• Stöllberger, C., & Finsterer, J. (2019). Side effects of whole-body electro-myo-stimulation. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 169(7), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-018-0655-x

• Stone, M. H., Potteiger, J. A., Pierce, K. C., Proulx, C. M., O’bryant, H. S., Johnson, R. L., & Stone, M. E. (2000). Comparison of the effects of three different weight-training programs on the one repetition maximum squat. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 14(3), 332-337. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200008000-00015

• Strasunskas, D. (2020). Impact of strength training on basketball athletes [Master’s dissertation, University of Iceland] University of Iceland Publishing. https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/36689/1/Impact%20of%20strength%20training%20on%20basketball%20athletes%20pdf..pdf

• Stricker, P. R., Faigenbaum, A. D., & McCambridge, T. M. (2020). Resistance training for children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 145(6). https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2017.04.01

• Stuempfle, K. J., Crawford, B. E., Petrie, D. F., & Kirkpatrick, M. T. (2004). Effect of hydro resistance training on bat velocity. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 7(2), 63-69.

• Suchomel, T. J., Nimphius, S., Bellon, C. R., & Stone, M. H. (2018). The importance of muscular strength: training considerations. Sports Medicine, 48(4), 765-785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0862-z

• Sugimoto, D., Mattacola, C. G., Bush, H. M., Thomas, S. M., Foss, K. D. B., Myer, G. D., & Hewett, T. E. (2017). Preventive neuromuscular training for young female athletes: Comparison of coach and athlete compliance rates. Journal of Athletic Training, 52(1), 58- 64. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.20

• Szymanski, D. J., DeRenne, C., & Spaniol, F. (2009). Contributing factors for increased bat swing velocity. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 23(4), 1338-1352. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318194e09c

• Szymanski, D. J., McIntyre, J., Szymanski, J., Bradford, T., Schade, R., Madsen, N., & Pascoe, D. (2007). Effect of torso rotational strength on angular hip, angular shoulder, and linear bat velocities of high school baseball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(4), 1117-1125. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200711000-00024

• Szymanski, D. J., Szymanski, J. M., Molloy, J. M., & Pascoe, D. D. (2004). Effect of 12 weeks of wrist and forearm training on high school baseball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 18(3), 432-440. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200408000-00007

• Szymanski, D. J., Szymanski, J., Bradford, T., Schade, R., & Pascoe, D. (2007). Effect of twelve weeks of medicine ball training on high school baseball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(3), 894-901. https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200708000-00041

• Whaley, O., Larson, A., & DeBeliso, M. (2020). Progressive movement training: An analysis of its effects on muscular strength and power development. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 52(17), 210-211. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000675840.15637.df