At Oriems Fit, we believe in curiosity. That’s why we created the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST—a blog series that brings easy-to-understand summaries of exciting science to help you learn something new and make the most out of your day. In each post, we share surprising findings from real scientific studies—not as medical advice, but to spark your thinking and discovery. At the end of each blog post, we include the original source, so research lovers can go explore further.

This time, we’re diving into one of the most relatable topics of all: what time of day your muscles are naturally strongest.

🤔 Who Did This Research and When?

This research was done by three scientists:

• Collin M. Douglas

• Stuart J. Hesketh

• Karyn A. Esser

The study was published in January 2021 in a well-known science journal called Physiology.

🌎 Which Country and University?

These researchers work at the University of Florida, USA, specifically in the Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics and the Myology Institute in Gainesville, Florida.

This university is very well-known for health and medical research around the world.

💰 Who Funded This Study?

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA—a highly respected and trustworthy science funding agency.

❓ What Is This Research Specifically About?

This study looked at how muscle strength changes throughout the day. It found strong evidence that our muscles perform better in the late afternoon, especially between 4 PM and 8 PM.

🧪 Who Was Studied?

• Healthy young men, mostly between 21 and 35 years old

• Some women were included, but men made up the majority

• No animals were used—this was all human research

🔬 What Method Did They Use?

Researchers measured isometric strength (how hard you can push or pull without moving your joint) using a device called a dynamometer. This gives a very clear and accurate reading of muscle force.

💪 What Did They Find? (The Positive Results!)

➡️ Across 24+ studies, the findings were incredibly consistent:

• People were 4–13% stronger in the afternoon than in the morning

• Grip strength, elbow, and knee strength were all higher at around 5–6 PM

• Even if they were doing the same exercise, their muscles could produce more force later in the day

🧠 It’s not because of motivation or mood. Scientists checked for this using electrical muscle tests (sEMG), and they found that the brain’s signals were the same throughout the day.

🌡️ It’s not because you’re warmer in the afternoon. Heating the body in the morning did not increase strength.

So what’s the reason?

⏰ Why Could EMS Help? (What It Means for You)

This study suggests the real reason your muscles get stronger later in the day is because of the muscle’s own internal clock—called the circadian rhythm. It works like a built-in timer that controls when your muscle fibers are best at using calcium, building tension, and firing quickly.

That means using an EMS device (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)—especially at the right time of day—might help take advantage of this natural rhythm. While this study didn’t test EMS directly, it shows how your muscles change throughout the day, and that EMS training later in the day could possibly match your body’s strongest performance window.

🧠 How This Helps You If You Use EMS

If you use EMS to support your muscles:

• Try using it in the afternoon for possibly better results

• Use it regularly at the same time to help your muscle’s internal clock

• Pay attention to how your body responds—it may feel more powerful later in the day

This gives a simple, science-based reason to think about when you train, not just how.

📖 Research Paper Original Name:

Time of Day and Muscle Strength: A Circadian Output?

Authors: Collin M. Douglas, Stuart J. Hesketh, Karyn A. Esser
Published in: PHYSIOLOGY, Volume 36, January 2021
Link to Full Study (PDF):
Click here to view or download the study

This link leads to PhysiologyOnline.org, the official website for the American Physiological Society, one of the world’s top scientific institutions. It’s safe, reliable, and used by researchers globally.

🧠 What’s the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST?

This blog series brings you exciting research made simple, so you can:

• Understand how science works—without jargon

• Discover smart ways to take care of your body

• Learn when and how your body works best

• Be inspired to do your own research at any age

We don’t make any health promises. But we believe learning is fun, and knowledge is powerful.

💡 Your Turn

🗨️ What time of day do you feel strongest? Have you noticed a difference in your workouts, tasks, or daily energy?
Leave a comment below to share!

🥇 From Australia’s Most Loved Muscle Tech Brand

At Oriems Fit, a 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, we’re proud to be recognized as YEAR'S BEST 2024 & 2025 by Australia’s leading product review authority—beating 68,000+ nominees.

We specialize in the Wide-Range Targeted EMS Stimulator, designed to support:

• Muscle engagement

• Relaxation

• Everyday comfort for all lifestyles

Whether you’re a young athlete, a busy parent, or someone with limited mobility, Oriems Fit is here to support you.

🔗 Check product availability:
https://oriems.fit/products/original-oriems-ultimate-kit

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or routine.
To view our full disclaimer, visit:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer

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