ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the effects of electrical stimulation on muscular tissues at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. It describes the use of conducting polymers for influencing cardiac and skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration and recent developments in the use of conducting polymers for electro active tissue scaffolds. Bioelectricity is the term used to describe the electrical currents and potentials produced by, or occurring within, living organisms. The concept and study of bioelectricity was carried on by Galvani's nephew, Giovanni Aldini, who also carried out scientific work associated with Galvanism. In the body, skeletal muscle contractile activity is controlled by the nerves where an action potential travels down the nerve to the nerve ending, resulting in the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The best evidence for the benefits of electrical stimulation on muscle can be seen in the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) machines for both therapeutic and training purposes.
