The effects of modified hybrid strength training versus neuromuscular electrical stimulation only on static and dynamic balance function in untrained healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction. The risk of falls in the young adult population increases with age and low physical activity levels. Reduced activity can lead to muscle mass loss and impaired balance. Modified hybrid training systems and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with the Russian protocol can be utilized to improve balance. Aim of the study. To evaluate the effects of modified hybrid training systems and NMES with the Russian protocol on static and dynamic balance in untrained healthy subjects. Materials and methods. The study involved 24 healthy men aged 18–40 years, divided into two groups: the modified hybrid training group (12 participants) and the NMES-only group using the Russian protocol (12 participants). The intervention was conducted three times per week for four weeks. Results. Significant improvements in static balance (OLS) were observed for both dominant and non-dominant legs (p < 0.05) in the modified hybrid training group. In the NMES group, significant improvement was observed only in the dominant leg (p = 0.02). For the dynamic balance test (SEBT), significant improvements were recorded in the dominant leg for anterior and posterolateral directions (p < 0.05), and in the non-dominant leg for the anterior direction (p < 0.05). In the NMES group, significant improvements were observed in all directions for both legs (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups. Conclusion. Both modified hybrid strength training and NMES were effective in improving static and dynamic balance in healthy subjects, with no significant differences between the two methods.