Content
The Russian chain is an electrostimulation device that promotes a contraction of the muscles promoting an increase in strength and an increase in muscle volume, being widely used in physiotherapy to treat people who are unable to contract the muscle effectively, as in the case of people who have had a stroke or are paraplegic, for example.
As this device promotes an increase in muscle strength, the Russian chain has also been used by athletes to improve performance and for aesthetic purposes with the aim of strengthening abdominal muscles, for example. However, this use is still discussed and the effects achieved only by the Russian current are considered inferior to those achieved through physical activity.
What is the Russian chain for
The Russian chain is used mainly in physiotherapy in the rehabilitation process of people who are unable to contract their muscles correctly, as in the case of stroke, muscle atrophy and paraplegia, for example. In these cases, the number of sessions depends on the muscular situation of each person, with daily sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
The Russian chain can also be used for aesthetic purposes to strengthen the abs, glutes and legs, and to improve the athlete's performance, as it promotes muscle contraction, resulting in increased strength and endurance. In such cases, the orientation is that the person continues to practice regular physical activity and the current is applied to the muscle that needs a stronger muscle contraction.
How it works
The Russian current device is composed of several small pads that are the electrodes that must be strategically positioned in the middle of the muscle of the region being treated, but always respecting principles, such as not placing them in agonist or antagonist muscles at the same time, and this, be positioned by a physical therapist or fitness coach.
The device will promote a stimulus similar to what the brain sends to the muscles, which generates an involuntary contraction of the muscle, but in order to take better advantage of this equipment, whenever this electrical stimulus happens, the individual must contract the muscle at the same time. time.
Does Russian chain work to lose weight?
The Russian chain has been used in aesthetics to improve the appearance of the belly, legs and glutes, however, it is not as effective as the practice of physical exercise, because the contractions performed by the equipment are not exactly the same as the body can do . Thus, this equipment should never replace the practice of physical exercise.
It is believed that 10 minutes of Russian current in the belly corresponds to more than 400 traditional abdominals, but for the Russian current to be really effective it is important to contract the abdomen at the same time, because this way all the fibers of the rectus abdominis muscle can be worked. The same does not happen if the person uses the equipment in an aesthetic center, in a totally passive way.
The truth is that the Russian current is able to recruit more muscle fibers during its use, as long as the person performs a muscle contraction at the same time as the electrical stimulus happens. That way, it would be wiser to use the Russian chain in a gym or rehabilitation center, for example.
What are the results of the Russian current
As a result of the Russian current, an increase in muscle volume, a decrease in flaccidity, an improvement in blood circulation, an improvement in lymphatic drainage, greater ease in performing movements and greater dexterity in performing delicate movements can be expected. However, these results are best seen when the person initially presents muscle weakness caused by a stroke, or follows a physical exercise program that must be performed at the same time as using the equipment.
The best results are seen when the Russian current:
- It is used to fight muscle atrophy in bedridden or recovering people;
- It is used to improve the performance of athletes;
- It is used for aesthetic purposes, as a complement to physical activity and adequate nutrition.
When it comes to a healthy person, who is only sedentary and does not practice any type of physical activity, when voluntary contraction does not happen, a small increase in muscle strength and tone can be noted, with very little increase in muscle volume, and therefore, the Russian chain can never replace the practice of exercises such as weight training.
When not indicated
Despite being an excellent treatment to strengthen the muscles, the Russian chain should not be used in the following situations:
- In individuals who have a pacemaker or heart disease in order not to change the heartbeat;
- In people who suffer from epilepsy because it can trigger an epileptic seizure;
- In case of mental illness because the person can remove the electrodes from the place;
- In case of hypertension that is difficult to control because the pressure can be greatly altered;
- During pregnancy it should not be positioned on the abdomen;
- It should not be applied to legs with large varicose veins.
In addition, the Russian chain should not be applied during an episode of phlebitis or deep vein thrombosis, or in case of muscle injury, in the ligaments, tendons or in the event of a fracture where the chain would be applied.