Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is often used to increase muscle strength and functionality. Muscle architecture is important for the skeletal muscle functionality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NMES applied at different muscle lengths on skeletal muscle architecture. Twenty‐four rats were randomly assigned to four groups (two NMES groups and two control groups). NMES was applied on the extensor digitorum longus muscle at long muscle length, which is the longest and stretched position of the muscle at 170° plantar flexion, and at medium muscle length, which is the length of the muscle at 90° plantar flexion. A control group was created for each NMES group. NMES was applied for 8 weeks, 10 min/day, 3 days/week. After 8 weeks, muscle samples were removed at the NMES intervention lengths and examined macroscopically, and microscopically using a transmission electron microscope and streo‐microscope. Muscle damage, and architectural properties of the muscle including pennation angle, fibre length, muscle length, muscle mass, physiological cross‐sectional area, fibre length/muscle length, sarcomere length, sarcomere number were then evaluated. There was an increase in fibre length and sarcomere number, and a decrease in pennation angle at both lengths. In the long muscle length group, muscle length was increased, but widespread muscle damage was observed. These results suggest that the intervention of NMES at long muscle length can increase the muscle length but also causes muscle damage. In addition, the greater longitudinal increase in muscle length may be a result of the continuous degeneration‐regeneration cycle.

Introduction: Training methods that increase muscle strength have an important effect on basketball. Objective: This study was planned to investigate the effect of a 12-week resisted plyometric training program for isokinetic muscle strength in young basketball players. Methods: Thirty-five male athletes who participate in regular basketball training were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group (C), the plyometric exercise group (P), and the resisted plyometric exercise group (RP). All the players participated in the standard basketball training program 5 days a week for 12 weeks. While the control group performed only standard basketball training, the P group and the RP group participated in plyometric and resisted plyometric exercise programs, respectively, 3 days a week. Vertical jump height and isokinetic muscle strength at 60, 180 and 300°s-1 were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: The plyometric and resisted plyometric training programs did not alter vertical jump performance. However, isokinetic muscle strength increased at all angles in the P and RP groups. Conclusion: Plyometric and resisted plyometric training programs applied for 12 weeks have a positive effect on muscle strength in young basketball players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.